North Central College Spring 2014
SCHOLARS, RESEARCHERS,
PERFORMERS, ATHLETES
STUDENTS EARN TOP HONORS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
e’re finally welcoming spring
at North Central College. The
flowers have bloomed and the
campus has come to life with students
pedaling their Cardinal red bikes. It was a
rough winter in terms of cold and snow,
but our faculty and staff, particularly our
maintenance department, kept the campus
productive and functioning.
I can tell that I’m always going to enjoy
this time of year for another reason, as we
seem to get news nearly every day about the
achievements of our students and alumni.
We’ve learned about another Goldwater
honor, three Fulbright appointments
and top national awards for a student
jazz vocalist, The Chronicle, American
Marketing Association, WONC and Model
United Nations. A record nine football
players were honored for their academics by
the National Football Foundation.
I have frequent opportunities in front
of external audiences to communicate
how North Central College competes
and succeeds on the national stage—in
academics, in cocurricular activities, in fine
arts and in athletics. We hold our own with
the best of the best. And our students are
proving it in so many ways!
Much of that success can be attributed
to our outstanding faculty. They are
collaborating on research, reading theses,
writing letters of recommendations,
mentoring and advising. They are worldclass teachers and scholars and provide
wonderful role models for academic success.
We also have many reasons to thank Vice
President for Academic Affairs and Dean
of Faculty Dr. R. Devadoss “Dev” Pandian.
His thoughtful leadership and commitment
to teaching has been at the foundation of
these academic successes and the building
of a community of scholars. Dev has
announced that he will retire at the end of
the 2014-2015 academic year. In the coming
months, the College will be conducting a
search process for his replacement.
This issue of the Now magazine also
reflects on the commitment to faith and
ministry that North Central College has
embraced since its founding. We celebrate
the remarkable career of Rev. Dr. Lynn
Pries ’67, who will retire this summer after
inspiring and encouraging North Central
students and alumni for 20 years.
From our beginning, students from
different faith traditions—and those with
no faith commitment at all—have united
as a campus community where mutual
respect produces vibrant discussion and
collaborative action.
North Central’s faith heritage is a
powerful gift. And we are fortunate to
have a sacred space—Koten Chapel—that’s
vital to the life of a college like ours. We’re
thankful for the late Life Trustee John
A. “Jack” Koten ’51, who with his family
helped make the chapel a treasured home
for many spiritual, cultural, musical and
academic activities on campus. People like
Jack and Lynn represent many of the core
values that inspire us every day at North
Central College.
Dr. Troy D. Hammond
President
North Central Now
Feature Stories
02
Campus
Ministry
10
Collaborate,
Teach & Research
12
LED lighting
reduces energy costs
Spring 2014
Editorial Director
Laura Zahn Pohl
Graphic Design
Mary Dettman
Steven Evanson,
Evanson Design
Contributing Writers/Production
Kathleen Doyle
Nancy Dunker
Lauren Ford
Drew French ‘15
Todd Froemling
Troy Kelleher ‘16
Nicole Kossakowski
Jean Morris
Amy Nicewarner ’06
Mary Reynolds
Drew Sauer ‘11
Meredith Schauer
Clark Teuscher
College Archivist
Kim Butler
18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sports
Photography
Taylor Bastone ‘14
David Johnson ‘07
Ed Macko
Joe Oliver
Chuck Savage
Warren Skalski
Steve Woltmann
22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alumni News
Vice President for Institutional
Advancement
Rick Spencer
32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alumni Calendar
Assistant Vice President
for External Affairs
Jim Godo ’93
Contents
16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Student News
Executive Director
of Development and Alumni Affairs
Adrian Aldrich ’02
About the Cover
Please direct all
correspondence to:
Editorial Director
North Central Now
North Central College
30 N. Brainard Street
Naperville, IL 60540
email: omc@noctrl.edu
phone: 630-637-5300 or
1-800-611-1861
Alyssa Allgood ‘14 represents
the many North Central College
students who have aimed high
in their disciplines and earned
national recognition as scholars,
researchers, performers and
athletes. On the Wentz Concert
Hall stage, Allgood performs with
bassist Robert Castillo ‘14.
Visit us online at
northcentralcollege.edu
northcentralcardinals.com
Photo by Steve Woltmann
A celebration of the past, present and future
2
N O R T H
C E N T R A L
N O W
S P R I N G
2 0 1 4
T
wenty years ago an experienced and compassionate
pastor with a special energy for social justice and
evangelism came to North Central College to become
campus chaplain.
The relationship between the
Rev. Dr. Lynn Pries ’67 and
North Central College was a
match made in heaven, so to
speak, as he took up the call
of campus ministry and
maintaining the connection
among North Central College,
the United Methodist Church
and Garrett-Evangelical
Theological Seminary.
for developing young ministers
and housing campus ministry
and worship.
After growing up in the farming
community of Eyota, MN,
Pries came to North Central
as a student at the urging of
his pastor, the Rev. Dale
Wordelman ’56. Pries was
already thinking about the
ministry even though he
decided to enroll in math classes.
“Becoming a math
teacher was my back-up
plan—but I had asked
Rev. Wordelman what
a call to the ministry
would feel like,”
says Pries.
The history of North Central’s
relationship to the
church began in
1861 on day one,
when A. A. Smith,
president of the
Evangelical
Association’s
Greensburg
As a student, his faith
Seminary in Ohio, Senior portrait 1967
life was nourished
was selected as the
by the Rev. George
College’s first president.
St. Angelo ’43, who was a
By 1876, the Union Biblical
model for those who wanted
Institute was preparing
to be engaged in social justice
ministers on campus. In 1913,
and civil rights. “George was
the Evangelical Theological
definitely a mentor,” says Pries,
Seminary opened on the north
who graduated from Evangelical
side of campus, which today,
Theological Seminary (ETS)
as North Central’s Kiekhofer
in 1971. He then received
Hall, represents sacred ground
a series of appointments to
churches in the Illinois
communities of Channahon,
Aurora, Cicero and Worth.
Along the way, he completed
his doctor of ministry at
Garrett-ETS, graduating
in 1986.
Pries embraced the opportunity
to become North Central’s
chaplain in 1994. “When I was
appointed to the position, I was
worried that I could never be
as gifted as George, who was
my chaplain,” he says. “But I
also thought about how
important campus ministry
was to me as a student. And I
was proud of North Central
and I wanted very much to be
part of the staff.”
New campus chaplain 1994
“I thought about how
important campus
ministry was to me
as a student. And I
was proud of North
Central and I wanted
very much to be part
of the staff.”
Rev. Dr. Lynn Pries ’67
Chaplain of the Year 2001,
United Methodist Foundation
for Christian Higher Education
northcentralcollege.edu
3
Appalachian Service Project,
December 2008
“It’s hard to retire . . .
when I see the
fantastic young
people we have on
campus who want
to go into ministry.”
Rev. Dr. Lynn Pries ’67
There was a robust offering of
ministry activities to manage,
including the Appalachian
Service Project annual trips,
New Beginnings Vacation
Bible School and New Visions
music and drama touring group.
As the part-time staff for those
ministries was reduced, Pries
developed a model of student
leadership that continues today.
He also helped to boost the
popularity of alternative spring
break service trips.
His outstanding ministry at
the College was recognized
in 2001 when he was named
Chaplain of the Year by the
United Methodist Foundation
for Christian Higher Education.
He described his role as a
“ministry of presence,” being
visible throughout campus
to students, faculty, staff
and alumni.
Pries especially enjoyed
participating in the renovation
of historic Kiekhofer Hall and
4
N O R T H
C E N T R A L
N O W
S P R I N G
2 0 1 4
Koten Chapel, which was
completed in 2006. Early on,
Pries met with architects and
the late John “Jack” ’51 and
sister Jane Koten ’55 to develop
the plans. (A full obituary for
Jack Koten is on p. 9.) Their gift
was instrumental in the project
getting underway and they
helped with many critical
decisions. “It was really
important to Jack that the
campus ministry offices be
moved closer to the chapel,”
Pries explains.
In more recent years, Pries
worked to establish the
Albright-Wesley Society, a
funding source specifically
designed to support student
ministry activities and
scholarships. (See sidebar
and donor list on p. 8.)
But Pries has always felt that
his greatest reward came from
helping young people discern
their calling to church vocations
and prepare for the ministry.
Statistics predict a shortage
of 5,000 clergy in the United
Methodist Church nationwide
due to retirements in the next
15 years. And North Central’s
commitment to prepare
students for theology degrees
remains steadfast.
“And that makes it hard to
retire . . . when I see the
fantastic young people we have
on campus who want to go
into ministry.” „
MOR E TH A N 250 PEOPLE ATTENDED TH E M A RCH 30 CELEBR ATION
of North Central’s leadership connection with the United Methodist Church and GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary. It was also a celebration of 20 years of campus ministry by
the Rev. Dr. Lynn Pries ’67. Brian Rainville, director of ministry and service (above left), led
the Prayers of Blessing and other speakers shared their memories and words of thanksgiving.
We come here with joy to say
thank you for the holy callings and
promptings in young hearts … and
the many lives touched by campus
ministry.”
- Rev. Thomas Babler ’69
Because of my campus chaplain,
B
Sharon Parks, I’m here today. She gave
me a bigger imagination as to what I
could become. You are all here today
because Lynn Pries has had that
impact on your life.”
- Bishop Sally Dyck,
Northern Illinois Conference,
United Methodist Church
Lynn’s
ministry is a vibrant
L
reminder of the college-church
relationship that began so many years
ago and continues into the future.”
North Central College serves as
N
a ‘stop’ on the track to a theological
education at places like GarrettEvangelical. I, your church, and those
whose lives you touched—because of
your faithful service at North Central—are
grateful to God that you made two of your
‘stops’ in Naperville, Illinois. Thanks be
to God.”
- Rob Hamilton ’04, associate pastor,
United Methodist Church of Geneva
Michael Moser ’70, director of development
for Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary,
announced that Garrett-ETS is establishing
a scholarship fund in the name of Lynn and
Donna Pries for North Central alumni
attending seminary there.
NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE’S NEW CHAPLAIN
For news about North Central College’s new chaplain,
the Rev. Eric Doolittle, visit northcentralcollege.edu.
- Haley Moreland ’99 Gross
northcentralcollege.edu
5
Fellowship, Music
and Service
N
orth Central College continues to honor its faith heritage
by building a campus ministry community, nurturing
faith, encouraging service and mentoring leaders for ministry.
Habitat For Humanity, March 2014
6
N O R T H
C E N T R A L
Campus ministry today takes
on many roles and initiatives
but at its core is the
interdenominational spirit of
the weekly worship program
called Focus. Despite
busy schedules,
homework and bad
weather, some 100
students gather in
Koten Chapel every
Wednesday evening
for music, fellowship
and prayer. Led by a
student worship team,
the weekly services are
designed to welcome
students of all Christian
backgrounds—an important
reason the gatherings are so
popular, says Brian Rainville,
director of ministry and service.
N O W
FS AP LR LI N2 G0 12 00 1 4
“We’re very purposeful in
how we approach Focus,”
he says. “Our goal is to give it
a family-feel and to create
community where all students
feel welcome.”
As students live away from
home for the first time, they
might be wrestling with
questions about their faith,
Rainville says. “We want to
reach students where they
are in their faith journeys,
encourage them to ask
questions and explore with
them what it means to be a
Christian.”
In addition to Focus, students
can attend Bible studies and
small groups, Fellowship of
Christian Athletes activities,
prayer groups and worship
gatherings centered around
seasonal events like Lent.
Service projects and trips help
students express their faith
and their desire for outreach.
The art, film and music events
that are part of The Union
hold broad appeal to the campus
community, as well.
The Catholic Student
Association hosts lunch
gatherings and study breaks
and the United Methodist
Student Organization
organizes community service
activities and fellowship events.
“We’re thankful for our
United Methodist heritage
and affiliation because it allows
us to minister to students in a
variety of ways and be fruitful
in our efforts,” Rainville adds. „
A long-standing tradition of preparing
young people for the ministry
Following a path from music to ministry
MATTHEW WILK E ’15 came to
North Central from Derby, KS,
to pursue a career in music ministry.
“But then I got connected with
other areas of ministry and had the
opportunity to really grow,” he says.
Wilke, a sociology major, still sings in
two choirs but now leads worship during Focus and is president
of the United Methodist Student Organization. The turning
point in his plans came when he became involved with the New
Visions music and drama ministry and gave a message to young
campers. “I was empowered and felt I had new meaning,” he says.
“Suddenly, music became more of a hobby.”
His faith life has been inspired by the Rev. Dr. Lynn Pries ’67 and
his involvement in social justice causes and support for inclusion.
“Some of my best memories of him are just sitting in his office
and listening to him talk about the civil rights movement in the
’60s. He models what my own ministry could look like.”
Finding faith and a new calling at North Central
NIKKI YOUNG ’15 came to college to be a high school English
teacher. She’s hoping to leave with an acceptance to a United
Methodist-affiliated seminary like Boston University School of
Theology. The confidence to discern that call has been nurtured
by Pries. “He’ll say to me, ‘You are valued and worthy,’” she says.
“No one else tells me these things.”
Young was not raised in a church-going family, so her faith journey
began while attending Focus and a Bible study. She helped with
New Beginnings Vacation Bible School ministry. “The idea of
ministry popped into my head,” she says. Pries accompanied
Young and others to a conference, Imagine What’s Next, where
she realized that her abilities could be valued.
She dropped her secondary education minor.
Today, Young is president of Focus, went
on a service trip to Honduras and will direct
New Beginnings this summer.
When her mother died in January 2013,
Young was comforted at the memorial
service by Pries, Rainville and Jeremy
Gudauskas, assistant dean of students.
“They showed that they cared and
believed in me.”
Pursuing his calling with an open heart
TY LER WARD ’15 knew at age 13
that he wanted to go into ministry. He
wanted to find the right undergraduate
school for a religious studies major.
“When I came to North Central, I
first met Brian Rainville and then I
spent two hours with Lynn. We saw
each other at the General Conference
that year and hit it off again. That’s
when I decided on North Central.”
Ward says it was a good decision. Since arriving on campus, he
has met with Pries for an hour every week, talking about school
work, seminary, the ordination process and Ward’s research titled
“Study of Contemporary Wesleyan Bands in Britain.” Ward is
starting a small group ministry at North Central patterned on the
“fellowship bands” he’s researched.
Ward credits Pries with helping him become more open to issues
like LGBT rights and other topics facing clergy. “He makes you
think about what faith in action looks like.”
Ward will join Wilke as interns with Urban Village, a Methodistaffiliated Chicago congregation. “Lynn knows everyone,” adds
Ward. “He knows how to bring people together to make
things happen.” „
northcentralcollege.edu
72
Leaving a legacy
for future generations
L
eaders of the United Methodist Church know that in the
coming years, a combination of retirements and fewer
seminary graduates will result in a shortage of ministry
professionals. In response, North Central reestablished the
Albright-Wesley Society, a fundraising effort to help support
campus ministry at North Central College. Membership in the
Society begins with gifts of $1,000 or more. Gifts allow students
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH,
NORTHERN ILLINOIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Northern Illinois Conference,
Division of Outdoor and Retreat Ministry
•
•
•
•
DeKalb District:
Community United Methodist Church, Naperville
Grace United Methodist Church, Naperville
St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Carol Stream
United Church of Sandwich, Sandwich
Wesley United Methodist Church, Naperville
CHURCH GIFTS
The United Methodist Foundation of the
Northern Illinois Conference, Chicago
Ashton Reynolds United Methodist Church, Ashton
Sheridan United Methodist Church, Sheridan
•
•
Elgin District:
Aurora District:
•
to attend church conferences and events and participate in
summer vacation Bible school and traveling music and ministry
programs. Students preparing for United Methodist clergy or
lay leadership can receive scholarships. Currently, eight North
Central students plan to further their educations at a seminary.
The donors listed here supported student ministry through the
Albright-Wesley Fund in fiscal year 2012-2013:
GIFTS FROM INDIVIDUALS
•
Roselle United Methodist Church, Roselle
•
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH,
WISCONSIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Wisconsin Annual Conference,
Camping and Retreat Ministry
•
•
•
•
•
Chicago Northwestern District:
Glenview United Methodist Church, Glenview
Capital District:
Lodi United Methodist Church, Lodi
Chicago Southern District:
Nicolet District:
•
First United Methodist Church, Evergreen Park
First United Methodist Church, Waupaca
•
•
•
•
•
•
For more information: northcentralcollege.edu/albright-wesley
8
N O R T H
C E N T R A L
N O W
S P R I N G
2 0 1 4
•
Anonymous
Rev. and Mrs. Thomas E. Babler ‘70,’69
Rev. George W. Fleming ‘62
Glen Wright Farms
Rev. and Mrs. Robert J. Harman ‘59,’59
Dr. Troy D. & Mrs. Sharlene D. Hammond
A.C. Hollingsworth
Ms. Tracie L. Hunt-Binetti ‘07
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Lehman ‘54,’53
Mission Bells Ministries Inc.
Mrs. Teresa J. and Mr. Bryan K. Novy
Mrs. Phyllis Pepiot ‘67
Rev. Dr. Lynn L. and Ms. Donna Pries ‘67,’67
Mrs. Loretta J. and Mr. Gregory A. Reasor
Rick & Patricia Spencer
JOHN A. “JACK” KOTEN
REMEMBERED IN KOTEN CHAPEL
T
he Koten Chapel and campus ministry suite in
Kiekhofer Hall represent the hub of ministry, service
and faith at North Central College. The chapel holds special meaning
for the Koten family, who gathered there on April 12, 2014, for a
memorial service for the late John A. “Jack” Koten ’51.
Koten, a life trustee of the
College, died January 3, 2014,
and is remembered as an
engaged and generous alumnus,
visionary philanthropist,
dedicated patron of the arts
and celebrated corporate
communications executive.
Koten spent his career with
Ameritech and its Bell
predecessors, and before retiring
in 1994, he was senior vice
president for Ameritech and
president of its foundation.
Among those speaking at the
service was President Emeritus
Harold R. Wilde. “It is fitting
that we gather today in the Roy
and Margaret Koten Chapel, a
concrete example of the vision
and generosity of spirit of Jack
and the Koten family over the
generations—a sacred space,
saved to the campus in the
1970s and saved for the 21st
century thanks, more than
anyone else, to the persistence
and unwavering commitment
of Jack Koten.”
The chapel had been named
in 1979 to honor the parents
of Jack and his sister Jane ’55.
Jack Koten, wife Catherine
and Jane were instrumental in
funding the 2006 renovations,
making possible the addition
of extra seating in a new
chapel balcony and attached
community room.
Jack Koten and Jane Koten were
able to attend the inauguration
worship service for President
Troy D. Hammond in the chapel
in May 2013. “It was an honor to
have Jack here for that service,”
says Hammond. “And the Koten
family legacy will always be a
part of North Central.”
Over his lifetime, Koten built a
reputation as a leader in public
relations and communications.
He was widely known for his
support of the arts, including
the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra, and in recognition
two musicians from the
symphony performed at the
service. His faith inspired a
leadership role in the Northern
Illinois Conference of the
United Methodist Church
and in the effort to replace the
United Methodist Church in
Barrington, IL, which burned
to the ground in 1999.
Koten served on the College’s
Board of Trustees starting in
1970 and became a life trustee
in 1997. He stayed loyal to
his alma mater through class
reunions, fundraising and
other connections. “My dad
was very much a believer in a
liberal arts education,” said his
son, John F. Koten.
The service was attended by
family members Catherine
(seated), his wife of 61 years;
children John, Sarah and Mark
standing behind his sister Jane
Koten ’55 (holding portrait);
and four grandchildren. „
northcentralcollege.edu
9
SCIENCE UPDATE
A Brilliant Future
New facility enables the sciences to
Collaborate, Teach & Research
S
chematic designs are nearly complete for a premier science facility
that will combine all the departments of the Science Division and
transform the entire campus. The floor plans reflect the thoughtful input—and long-held
dreams—of faculty who envision how they will teach in the future and address the need for
graduates with STEM educations.
Plans for three floors above
ground and a lower level
totaling 125,000 square feet
will allow the departments of
biology, chemistry, physics,
math, psychology and computer
science to collaborate, teach and
research in one facility. Some
disciplines, like chemistry
and physics, would share labs
when their needs allow for a
common facility.
“As we planned the space, we
wanted to make sure that no
room stands empty,” explains
Jeff Bjorklund, professor of
chemistry and the Science
Division representative in the
planning process.
The planning firm Research
Facilities Design (RFD) and
architects Hollabird & Root
have met extensively with
faculty to understand how the
allotted square footage will
fulfill their needs for student
interaction, teaching, research
and collegial communication.
“What was really important
was to consider adjacencies that
maximize the efficiency in
the building design and flow,”
says Brjorklund.
The design of the new facility
will reflect the College’s unique
needs, he emphasized, and
will include gathering spaces
of different sizes for informal
collaboration, student study
spaces and campus events.
Representatives from
North Central’s Information
Technology Services have
consulted on technology
design to ensure the building
accommodates those needs
today and well into the future.
Labs have been uniquely
designed to house teaching
and/or research. Teaching labs
will incorporate the equipment
needs of specific disciplines,
while the design of the research
labs integrates across disciplines
and encourages collaboration.
The labs designed specifically
for molecular and organismal
research will be used by
biology, biochemistry and
chemistry faculty and students.
The lab space for anatomy and
physiology will be used by
biology, neuroscience and
health and physical education.
A neuroscience lab will
combine research among
students and faculty in biology
and psychology.
Spaces to collaborate with
faculty away from classrooms
and labs are incorporated
throughout the plans. “Students
want to study in the building
because they want to be close
to faculty to ask questions,”
Bjorklund explains.
Classrooms will be used for
non-science instruction as well.
The current program includes
“What was really important was to
consider adjacencies that maximize the
efficiency in the building design and flow.”
Jeff Bjorklund
professor of chemistry
10
N O R T H
C E N T R A L
N O W
S P R I N G
2 0 1 4
four 30-person classrooms, six
40-person classrooms and an
auditorium (pictured) that
could accommodate 120 people.
There will be 14 teaching labs,
nine research labs and a suite
of five rooms for psychological
research. Placement of each lab,
classroom and office is crucial
during the next phase of design
development—when many of
the details, including the
exterior look of the building,
are locked in place.
Fundraising for the $60 million
science center and other future
needs of North Central College
is continuing, says Rick Spencer,
vice president for institutional
advancement. “With funding
in place, we could break ground
in June 2015 so the building is
ready for students in 2017.” „
“With funding in
place, we could
break ground in June
2015 so the building
is ready for students
in 2017.”
Rick Spencer
vice president for
institutional advancement
The first floor of the proposed facility
would incorporate labs, offices,
classrooms, an auditorium and plenty
of public gathering space.
northcentralcollege.edu
11
Investment in LED
lighting reduces
energy costs
A
sustainability project
that modernized the
lighting inside Gregory Arena
and the pool deck in Merner
Field House will result in
significant reductions in energy
consumption and maintenance
costs in these facilities.
Over the winter months, new
LED lights were installed
with the help of $26,000 in
grant funding from the Illinois
Municipal Electric Agency
through the City of Naperville
toward the cost of the two
projects. LED stands for Light
Emitting Diode, a solid state
form of lighting that efficiently
converts electricity directly into
light.
In Gregory Arena, the LED
fi xtures allow adjustments
to the levels of brightness in
12
N O R T H
C E N T R A L
different areas of the facility.
“The metal halides were on all
the time, all day, at 100 percent
brightness, using an incredible
amount of energy,” explains
Brittany Graham, the College’s
sustainability coordinator.
“Varying the lighting levels
reduces our energy costs. We
also can program them to
shut off at the end of the day
automatically.”
At a computer system at
Graham’s desk, she programs
the lighting levels so they are
appropriate for the activities in
the arena. During the day when
nothing is scheduled, they
are at 30 percent brightness.
During a basketball game,
they are at 100 percent. “We’re
projecting that we’ll save about
180,000 kilowatt hours per year
in the arena,” adds Graham.
N O W
S P R I N G
2 0 1 4
“We’re projecting that we’ll save
about 180,000 kilowatt hours per
year in the arena. The total savings
will range from 70 percent to more
than 90 percent overall.”
- Brittany Graham,
sustainability coordinator
“The total savings will range
from 70 percent to more than
90 percent overall.”
The lights were installed by
Lumiga under the supervision
of the company’s chief solutions
architect, Wayne Callham.
“We had to accommodate all
of the needs of recreation,
competition, practices and
other uses,” Callham says. “We
had to give the coaches the light
they need to do their jobs.”
Other benefits of the LED
lighting will result from the
reduced heat and elimination of
humming noises generated by
the previous halogen lighting.
“We didn’t even realize how
much heat emanated from the
old lights,” says Jim Miller ’86,
athletic director. The halogen
lights also needed about 15
minutes to fully power up. The
long life of LED lighting is also
a big benefit to the maintenance
staff, especially in the pool area
which is difficult to work in,
he adds.
Also involved in the planning
and evaluation were students in
a cost accounting class taught
by Gerald Thalmann, associate
professor of accounting. “His
students calculated energy and
cost savings of switching to
LEDs or fluorescents versus
maintaining our metal halides,”
explains Graham. “They came
up with a payback—a return
on investment—and gave us a
recommendation. It’s exciting
that they're able to see the lights
in the arena, know the benefits
and understand why North
Central chose to install the
LEDs.” „
Earth Day Celebration
A
t North Central College’s Earth Day celebration on April 22,
Jim Kleinwachter of The Conservation Foundation presented
Heidi Goetsch ’14, Will Rotunno ’15 (pictured right) and Brittany
Graham, sustainability coordinator, with a Conservation@Work
program certification. It recognizes the College’s installation of
permeable pavers and rain gardens for stormwater management
and sustainable plantings used in landscaping. North Central is
one of 40 organizations in a four-county region to be certified.
AT NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE
Rotunno, a biology major and environmental studies minor,
applied for the certification. After the presentation, members
of the campus community helped plant new gardens around
Oesterle Library as part of a grant Goetsch received from the
National Wildlife Federation. Goetsch is a philosophy major and
environmental studies minor.
In addition, for the fourth consecutive year, North Central
College has been included in “The Princeton Review’s Guide to
332 Green Colleges: 2014 Edition.” The 2014 guide highlights
the 332 campuses that offer a holistic approach to sustainable
living, from purchasing and building guidelines to green academic
programs and preparation for sustainable careers. Selected schools
display a willingness to be accountable for their commitment to
sustainability. „
Going Green—Really Green
Locally grown produce is a fresh and healthy food trend, and at North
Central “grown locally” means it comes from the earth a block away!
North Central’s community garden produced 640 pounds of vegetables
during summer 2013 for Kaufman Dining Hall. This fertile plot of land on
Loomis Street produces everything from arugula to zucchini. Here are just
a few examples of the top producers (in pounds):
» arugula - 2
» lettuce - 21
» tomatoes - 132
» basil - 5
» onions - 53
» zucchini - 80
» beets - 53
» potatoes - 12
» carrots - 24
» radishes - 25
» cucumbers - 65
» Swiss chard - 58
» green onions - 11
» spinach - 30
northcentralcollege.edu
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Spring Break: A changed view
“D
etroit: City Limits,”
the sign beside
the highway reads—well
it’s supposed to, but the
graffiti makes it hard to
see. Dilapidated houses and
boarded strip malls pass the bus
window. It’s spring break, and
Marissa Sylvester ’15 has traded
sandy beaches for service.
a small group that joined forces
with the Motown Mission
Experience, a Christian urban
work mission dedicated to
economic disaster recovery work.
“I could have gone home and
relaxed,” says Sylvester. “But
I wanted to do something
significant and useful. Helping
others means much more to me
than sleeping late.”
The trip was organized by
Dorothy Pleas, director of
multicultural affairs at North
Central. “We met many
people who are spearheading
grassroots efforts to revitalize
their communities,” she says.
“It was powerful to see the
passion and love that these
individuals have for the city of
Detroit.”
Nearly 60 North Central
students spent spring break
building homes, serving food
to the homeless and helping
struggling communities across
the nation. Sylvester was part of
The group met with the Rev.
Bill Wylie-Kellerman ’71 at
his Detroit area church, where
he talked about economic and
governmental issues and his
activism. Students also visited
the Charles H. Wright Museum
of African American History,
Detroit Historical Museum and
Motown Museum.
“I came into this trip really
apprehensive—I didn’t know
what to expect,” Sylvester says.
“You hear about the dangers of
Detroit, but I wasn't afraid to
get involved.”
Sylvester’s bravery paid
off. Inside the Brightmoor
Church’s “Free Store”—which
supplies home goods, clothes
and other necessities at no
cost—she learned something:
a service trip can benefit
the volunteers as much as
the communities. She told a
volunteer leader how grateful
she was for the opportunity to
help. She will never forget the
response she received.
“This woman looked at me and
said, ‘We are so blessed to have
you come and help us. God
brought you to us and we could
never do this without you.’”
Sylvester knows that the
abandoned homes and graffiticovered shops are still there, but
she remembers something else.
“I saw the spirit, the culture
of the people of Detroit,” she
says. “I focus now on all the
possibilities it has to offer.
We wanted to bring a little
brightness into Detroit and
leave it better than when
we got there. I think we
accomplished that.” „
Forty-two middle school scientists filled two chemistry labs in Kroehler Science
Center on a Saturday this spring as part of Marie S. Curie Girl Scout Chemistry Day at
North Central College. Organized by professional chemists from the Chicago Section
of the American Chemical Society and led by area teachers, the all-day event allowed
the scouts to perform several experiments and meet women in science. They received
the Marie S. Curie badge at the end of the day.
Helping to mentor the young students was North Central volunteer Mirachelle
Anselmo ’16 (pictured, right), a biochemistry major. “I was excited to be a part of this
because I hope to write my senior thesis about Marie Curie,” she says.” I saw this as
a great opportunity.”
The program was hosted by Paul Brandt, North Central professor of chemistry, who
also organizes badge opportunities for Boy Scouts; coordinates North Central science
students’ participation in STEM nights in area middle schools; and hosts an event for
the statewide “You Be The Chemist” competition for gifted middle school students. „
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“I see a great opportunity
to build on the programs
that are already in place
and taught by faculty with
strong credentials and
experience.”
- Pamela Monaco
New dean envisions expansion and growth of graduate programs
N
orth Central College has
named Pamela Monaco,
Ph.D., as dean of graduate and
continuing studies. In this role,
she will oversee the admission,
marketing and development
of current and new graduate
programs, and applications of
technology for instruction.
president and chief academic
officer for professional studies
at Southwestern College in
Wichita, KS. She focused
on the delivery of academic
programs for online and adult
students, which included
meeting the needs of returning
veterans.
“North Central has great
potential for growth in graduate
programs and this was very
exciting to me,” says Monaco.
Monaco will be investigating
“blended options” for North
Central’s graduate programs,
which means that courses
could include both classroom
Monaco was previously vice
Pandian announces
retirement
Vice President for Academic
Affairs and Dean of Faculty R.
Devadoss Pandian announced
his plans to step down from his
role at the end of the 2014-2015
academic year. His retirement in
2015 will mark the end of a 30-year
career at North Central College,
spanning 10 years of service as
an associate professor/professor
in the mathematics department
and 20 years as vice president and
dean of the faculty.
“The academic rigor of the College today reflects his extraordinary vision
and commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship,” said Dr. Troy
Hammond, president, in making the announcement to the campus. “With
many key initiatives underway, we look forward to his continued leadership
and impact until his retirement.”
The recruiting firm Witt/Kieffer will conduct a nationwide search along
with a search committee led by Stephen Maynard Caliendo, professor of
political science. The process will be completed by December 2014 with an
intended start date in the summer of 2015. „
teaching and online delivery.
Another option for graduate
programs includes “low
residency” schedules that result
in students coming to campus
for weekend instruction two or
three times during a term, for
example.
“Throughout my career, I’ve
served nontraditional students
and because of this passion,
I understand the ways in
which technology, life choices,
experience, career and family
demands influence what an
adult brings to the pursuit of
education,” she explains.
Monaco holds a Ph.D.
and M.A. in English from
the Catholic University
and a bachelor’s degree in
marketing from George
Washington University, both
in Washington, D.C. She also
attained a certificate from the
Institutes for Higher Education
at Harvard University. „
Ruge Fellows
Two senior faculty members, Nancy
Keiser, professor of education and
Lou Corsino, professor of sociology,
were honored as Ruge Fellows for
their outstanding teaching. At the
May faculty meeting, R. Devadoss
Pandian, vice president for academic
affairs and dean of faculty,
announced that Keiser and Corsino
deserved the recognition for their
inspired teaching and dedication to
students.
“Both of these professors are
true educators,” he said at the
presentation. “They have an
enthusiasm for their students that’s unfathomable.”
The Ruge Fellows program was established to reward faculty for their
contributions to teaching and learning. The program was named for the late
Daniel Ruge ’39, M.D., a neurosurgeon, White House physician and chair of
the Board of Trustees. Senior faculty apply and are chosen based on their
personal statements and an evaluation of their teaching by a professor from
another institution, two North Central endowed chair holders and Pandian. „
northcentralcollege.edu
15
STUDENT NEWS
North Central students
Ian Wright ‘14
Britney Kravish ‘14
Mark Zajac ‘12
A BANNER YEAR FOR FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS
Two graduating seniors and alumnus Mark Zajac ’12 learned
that they have been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching
Assistantship (ETA) for 2014-2015. Ian Wright ’14 and Britney
Kravish ’14 along with Zajac will receive fully funded oneyear appointments abroad as cultural ambassadors and English
teachers. Wright and Zajac will go to Germany, while Kravish will
travel to Mexico.
“This is the first time in College history that our students have
earned three Fulbrights in a single year,” says Perry Hamalis,
Cecelia Schneller Mueller Professor of Religion, associate
professor of religion and director of the College Honors
Programs. “It is an accomplishment made possible by our faculty
mentoring high-achieving students and our strong study abroad,
foreign language and undergraduate research offerings.”
Wright, a double major in global studies and studio art, studied
German in Berlin. “I applied for a Fulbright to connect with the
German community and promote cultural understanding,” he
says. “I am looking forward to engaging students and being a
language resource for English language learners as an assistant to
an English teacher in a German classroom.”
Kravish, a Spanish major with minors in secondary education and
English Language Learning (ELL), wants to become a high school
Spanish teacher. She studied abroad in Costa Rica and participated
in a service trip to Honduras. “After these experiences, I began
to focus on the social issues of these cultures, aiming to dispel
common stereotypes. My teaching experiences with ELL students
also gave me a new perspective in learning a new language and
culture.”
Zajac is currently serving as a Dunn Fellow in Illinois Gov.
Pat Quinn’s Chicago Office. While a student, he was a College
Scholar, had triple majors in global studies: international business,
German and Spanish, and a minor in Chinese. He studied abroad
in Heidelberg, Germany, and Seville, Spain, to refine his language
skills in German and Spanish.
The Fulbright Grant program is sponsored by the U.S.
Department of State. „
MATH RESEARCH YIELDS ELITE HONOR
Rebecca Heinen ’15, a
mathematics major, has been
awarded a prestigious national
honor as a 2014 Goldwater
Scholar Honorable Mention.
The Goldwater Scholar
program is highly competitive
and represents the highest
national award given to
undergraduates who plan to
pursue careers in science and
math research.
Heinen has been deeply involved in mathematics research after
attending a six-week National Science Foundation (NSF) math
program at St. Mary’s College in Maryland during summer 2013.
The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program
inspired her research, titled “Self-Stabilization Under Minimal
Liar’s Domination For Path Graphs,” which she presented at
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two national conferences and the College’s Rall Symposium for
Undergraduate Research.
“I had never participated in math research because I came to
North Central as a biology major and wanted to attend medical
school,” she says.
A College Scholar, she wants to continue research in the area of
graph theory, she adds, and will most likely attend graduate school
in a mathematics program.
For summer 2014, Heinen has been accepted into a second REU
program at San Diego State University. This highly selective
eight-week program is titled Arithmetic of Numerical Semigroups
and includes a stipend of $5,000.
“This is one of the country's most prestigious mathematics REUs,
a program that accepts only 2-3 percent of its applicants,” says
Neil Nicholson, assistant professor of mathematics. Heinen says
she has been encouraged and inspired by Nicholson and Matthew
Pons, associate professor of mathematics, who have supported her
pursuit of the NSF opportunities and Goldwater award. „
among the nation’s best
DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE HONORS ALLGOOD
Alyssa Allgood ’14 has won a prestigious award in DownBeat magazine’s 37th Annual Student
Music Awards. In the undergraduate category, Allgood won the top award for best collegiate jazz
vocal soloist for a recording she submitted in that category. The judges, comprised of professional
musicians and educators, assess entrants based on musicianship, creativity, improvisation,
technique, sound quality and balance, excitement and authority.
DownBeat has a wide circulation in the jazz world and is a respected publication among
performers. The awards were announced in the magazine’s June issue, which was released April 29.
“Jazz has always intrigued me because it gives me the chance to be a part of something that’s bigger
than myself,” says Allgood, who attended the Janice Borla Vocal Jazz Camp beginning at age 12.
She is majoring in music with a focus on jazz studies and in organizational communication and
was a recipient of a Richter Grant. She presented her research titled “Who Am I? An Exploration
of Jazz Vocalists’ Identity Communicated Through Performance,” at the Rall Symposium for
Undergraduate Research and National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
AMA ACHIEVES THIRD IN THE NATION
North Central College’s American Marketing Association
(AMA) team tied for third overall in the international
competition, the first time in school history for a top 10 finish.
The team traveled to New Orleans in April to compete against
nine other teams that had qualified earlier this year.
The AMA Collegiate Case Competition was sponsored by
the Hershey Company. Hershey’s case invited participants
to develop a comprehensive relaunch campaign for its Take 5
candy bar brand. Chapters were asked to address consumer
segmentation, product positioning, product distribution and
marketing promotion, which included plans for social media.
“I think this was the most creative team we’ve ever had,” says faculty
advisor Donnavieve Smith, associate professor of marketing. “Each
student brought a different skill. They pooled their talents together
and their hard work paid off.”
Back row from left: Associate professor Donnavieve Smith, Drew French ’15,
Trey Hartema ’14, Nick Smith ’14, Elizabeth Halbmaier ’14, Alexa Reinecke ’15,
Reiley Reardon ’14, Brad Donati ’14.
Front row from left: Addison Van Hise ’15, Monique Martinez ’14 and Amy Jones ’14.
NEW MULTIMEDIA WEBSITE ATTRACTS TOP AWARD
Students garnered national recognition with a first-place award
for a new student-run website, ncclinked.com, from the College
Media Association. North Central’s Chronicle staff competed
among schools of all sizes in the online award category. The
site incorporates news stories, arts reviews, video and audio,
Instagram images and a Twitter feed.
“The goal was to go beyond posting Chronicle
print stories and add instant news coverage,
social media, video and audio.”
- Kevin Jackman '14
“This is a big honor and I want to acknowledge the amazing work
of the student staff,” says Kay O’Donnell, assistant professor of
journalism. Among the students behind the website is WONCFM station manager Kevin Jackman ’14, who is majoring in
broadcast communication and interactive media studies. He
previously worked on the WONC website and O’Donnell
approached him for his help.
“The goal was to go beyond posting Chronicle print stories and add
instant news coverage, social media, video and audio,” Jackman says.
The site received upwards of 15,000 views over six months. „
northcentralcollege.edu
17
Track star Johnny Crain continues to evolve
T
he success of Johnny Crain ’14
has become a familiar story at
North Central, one that cements
his place among the top runners in
Cardinal history. His performances
at national meets have reached a
new level. As his teammates say,
“Johnny Crain is on fire.”
Crain is burning up the competition.
He didn’t stop to catch his breath
after sweeping the 5,000-meter
and 3,000-meter runs at the
Division III Indoor Track and Field
Championships; instead, he rose to
new levels of performance.
“Some people are afraid
to challenge themselves;
Johnny is not. He’s gone
through the evolutionary
process and he is fearless.”
- Al Carius
On April 4, at the Stanford
University Invitational, he ran the
second-fastest 10,000-meter in
the history of NCAA Division III,
completing the 6.2-mile event in 28
minutes, 52.73 seconds—only four
seconds behind the longstanding
record of Dan Mayer ‘94. Crain
knocked shoulders with top runners
in all divisions, placing 24th in the
blazing 75-man field.
Three weeks later, Crain ran
with an elite pack of runners at
the 105th annual Drake Relays.
He placed second in both the
5,000-meter run (14:05.06)
and the distance medley relay
(9:51.97), which he anchored
as the 1,600-meter leg. Both
performances are the secondfastest in the College’s history.
Surely, coach Al Carius must be
shocked, blown away, stunned.
“No, I wasn’t surprised,” he says.
“Johnny’s been climbing this ladder
for a long time. It’s been a step-bystep process, and now he has that
inner confidence. He’s not going to
have a bad race and he knows it!”
Crain knew at Stanford that he
would be competing against some
of the best in college distance
running. It never shook him. “I
thought of the other guys there
as being on my level,” says Crain.
“I thought, ‘If I’m going to lose to
these guys, then I’m going to give
everything I have.’ “
But what sparked this success?
Does Crain have a new training
regimen? Did his attitude suddenly
ignite? “You can’t point to a single
thing,” Carius says. “People always
want to categorize success—he’s
a natural, he’s motivated, he works
hard—but it’s really a wonderful
recipe of all these things. When
you put it together, it’s success.”
“It’s been an accumulation from
my freshman year to now,” says
Crain. “Finishing second at crosscountry nationals—as a team and
individual—definitely hurt. But
when I got to indoor [track season],
I flicked the switch in my head and
knew it was time to compete.”
Crain will finish his college career
at the Division III Outdoor Track and
Field Championships on May 22-24.
Carius isn’t nervous and he knows
Crain isn’t either. “Some people
are afraid to challenge themselves;
Johnny is not,” says Carius. “He’s
gone through the evolutionary
process and he is fearless.” „
By Troy Kelleher ’16 (who finished
third in the 5,000-meter run at the
Drake Relays, just behind Crain)
Women’s lacrosse finishes strong
The North Central College women's
lacrosse team saw the 2014 season
come to a close on May 2, as the
Cardinals lost by a 16-9 count to
the undefeated Augustana College
Vikings in the Midwest Women's
Lacrosse Conference (MWLC)
Tournament semifinals at ThorsonLucken Field.
North Central (9-6) fell victim to
a late first-half flurry which broke
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open a tied game and then saw the
top-seeded Vikings continue their
surge into the early second half to
remain unbeaten.
North Central attacker Gina Fisher
’16 (pictured) was named the
MWLC Defensive Player of the
Year for the second straight
season. She was joined on the
All-MWLC First Team by midfielder
Rachael Houp ’14 and defender
Rebecca James ’16, while defender
Jamie Legner ’14 was selected to
the Second Team.
The Cardinals, who qualified for the
MWLC Tournament four straight
years, will compete in the College
Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin
(CCIW) beginning in 2015. North
Central closed the 2014 season
with school-record totals for goals
(220) and draw controls (212). „
WOMEN CLAIM WIN WITH EIGHT CHAMPIONS
Turning in eight first-place finishes
across a wide variety of events,
the North Central College women’s
track and field team rolled to a
second straight College Conference
of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW)
Outdoor Championship on May 2-3,
at Jay and Dot Buikema Track.
The 17th-ranked Cardinals compiled
225.50 points to claim their third
team trophy in four years and
ninth championship overall. Illinois
Wesleyan University finished
second with 188.
new record in the hammer throw,
winning the event with a distance
of 174’8”, while Ebony Stallworth
’15 turned in a mark of 47’0 3/4” in
the shot put to top the meet record
and break her own school record.
Madison Renfro ’16 (pictured, top)
won the 100-meter hurdles in 14.25
seconds and also teamed with
Sade Gant ’16, Brittny Olson ’15 and
Miranda Rorer ’16 (pictured, lower
right) to place first in the 4-by-100meter relay (48.30).
Kelsey Kirk ’16 added a win in the
high jump, clearing 5’4 1/4”, while
Jocelyn Redlinski ’14 was voted the Megan Costanzo ’16 placed first
CCIW’s Field Athlete of the Meet
in the 10,000-meter run (36:42.65)
after contributing 28 points to the
and Nora Ferguson ’14 (pictured,
Cardinals’ effort and winning the
lower left) did the same in the
heptathlon with a season-best total 800-meter run (2:17.07).
of 4,555 points, nearly 600 ahead
North Central has now swept the
of her nearest competitor. The
CCIW Women’s Indoor and Outdoor
Cardinals’ coaching staff was also
voted the CCIW’s Coaching Staff of Championships in three of the past
four years. „
the Year.
Two new CCIW meet records
were established by North Central
athletes. Lina Baker ’15 set a
CARDINALS DUAL AUGUSTANA
AND CARTHAGE FOR CCIW TITLE
The chase for the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW)
Outdoor Track & Field Championship developed into a hotly contested
three-team race among the men’s teams at Jay and Dot Buikema Track
May 2-3, and the Cardinals emerged late to claim their fourth straight
conference team title.
The Cardinals, ranked sixth in the nation, totaled 228 points to finish
ahead of fifth-ranked Augustana College and 14th-ranked Carthage
College, which tied for second place with 201.
North Central received two first-place finishes by John Crain ’14, who
was voted the CCIW’s Co-Track Athlete of the Meet. Crain won the
1,500-meter run in 3:50.64 and then placed first in the 5,000-meter
run in 15:00.85. He was followed across the finish line in the 5,000
by Roger Klein ’14, who won his own individual title on Friday in the
10,000-meter run, finishing in 31:32.84. North Central has now claimed
the 10,000-meter title in the last seven CCIW outdoor meets.
The Cardinals posted a pair of first-place finishes in the throwing events
as well. Nick Fridrich ’13 turned in a mark of 180’8” to win the javelin
throw, while Adam Weidner ’16 (pictured, above) topped his previous
personal best by more than three feet to win the shot put (54’9 ¼”).
The Cardinals have now won 36 CCIW Outdoor Championships and 50
conference track and field titles overall. „
For more sports
p
news, visit
northcentralcardinals.com
northcentralcollege.edu
19
NEW HEAD COACH KYLE EXLINE: “A VOLLEYBALL GUY ALL THE WAY”
N
orth Central College took the first step in establishing a new NCAA Division III men’s volleyball
program by hiring Kyle Exline as the head coach. A former NCAA Division I player with
coaching experience at the NCAA Division III, high school and club levels, Exline will spend the
2014-2015 academic year recruiting a team to take the court for an inaugural season in 2016.
Exline is currently the head boys and girls volleyball coach at Argo Community High School in
Summit, IL, as well as the assistant club director, master coach and 18-and-under head coach for
the D1 Southside Volleyball Club in Palos Heights, IL. He was a four-year letter winner and threeyear team captain for the varsity men’s volleyball program at Loyola University Chicago from 20082011, winning the team’s Most Improved Player Award in 2009. The Ramblers posted an overall
record of 75-38 during Exline’s tenure with the program.
Exline coached as a graduate assistant for the men’s and women’s volleyball teams at Carthage
College from 2011 to 2013, assisting with all aspects of both programs. The women’s program
qualified for the national semifinals in 2011, and the men’s program advanced to the championship
match of the first-ever NCAA Division III Men’s Volleyball Championship in 2012.
“Kyle is really a volleyball guy all the way,” says Jim Miller, athletic director. “He’s played at the
highest level collegiately, and he learned everything about Division III inside and out in his time at
Carthage. And his knowledge of recruiting services and club and high school programs is going to
be a huge asset.”
“Working at the Division III level, it really helped me understand the student-athlete experience,”
Exline adds. “The talent is very strong in this area, and it’s going to be nice for parents to be able to
watch their sons play close to home. In such a growing sport, I think it’s important to keep players
local.”
Exline earned a bachelor’s degree in natural psychology from Loyola in 2011 and a master of
education degree with an emphasis in leadership in teaching from Carthage. „
Cheer and dance teams aim for national reputation
Members of North Central’s
cheer and dance teams entered
a competitive arena of their own
this spring. The teams competed
in the National Cheerleaders
Association (NCA) & National
Dance Alliance (NDA) Collegiate
Cheer and Dance Championships.
In their first year competing, the
dance team took home 15th place
overall while cheer placed 16th.
The championships included teams
from 38 states and four countries,
with 304 teams competing.
“To support our football and
basketball teams in obtaining
success, which is our No. 1
responsibility, the cheer and dance
team members need to be their
best, also,” says cheer and dance
coach Tierra Thompson.
The squads earned a bid to the
championships in August when
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they placed high at the National
Cheerleaders Association College
Day Camp, with dance securing
second place and cheerleading
placing third.
“I am very proud of them,” says
Thompson of her competitors.
“We’ve come a long way since
last spring. We plan to be back at
Nationals again next year with a
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bid this summer. We know what to
expect and want to succeed on an
even higher level. And I’m excited
for all the incoming students to
compete and see what we have to
offer.”
In the future, Thompson would
like to integrate the spirit teams
into more events and athletics on
campus and in the community and
become more visible to students
and staff. “Our goal is to make
North Central College's spirit
department one of the premier
Division III options for talented high
school/transfer cheerleaders and
dancers,” she adds. „
FOOTBALL MAKES BIG IMPACT ON HONOR SOCIETY
The North Central College football program placed a school-record
nine individuals in the 2014 induction class for the National Football
Foundations’ (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society. The society is part of the
NFF’s effort to recognize academic and athletic success and is comprised
of college football players from all divisions.
To be considered, North Central’s honorees had to be starters or
significant contributors in their last year of eligibility, achieve a 3.2
cumulative grade-point average throughout their undergraduate studies,
and meet NCAA-mandated progress toward degree requirements.
John Cannova '14
Alex Mann '14
Greg Whalen '14
Shane Dierking '14
Chad O’Kane '14
Nathan Schweitzer '14
Nick Slezak '14
Michael Weidner '14
Spencer Stanek '13
North Central’s nine selections include offensive linemen John
Cannova ’14, Alex Mann ’14 and Greg Whalen ’14; defensive back
Shane Dierking ’14; wide receiver Chad O’Kane ’14; linebackers
Nathan Schweitzer ’14, Nick Slezak ’14 and Michael Weidner ’14; and
quarterback Spencer Stanek ’13.
“Placing these nine individuals in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society
reaffirms the College’s commitment to recruiting and developing young
men and women who embody the truest definition of ‘student-athlete,’”
says Martin Sauer, vice president for enrollment management and
athletics. “The opportunity to excel at such high levels both in the
classroom and on the playing field continues to be both a distinction and
point of pride for the entire North Central College community.”
Of this year’s honorees, 352 came from 87 different NCAA Division III
institutions. With five recipients, Augustana was the only other College
Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin school represented. The Cardinals
rank sixth in all of college football in terms of the number of players
selected.
“We are thankful that so many people on campus support our players’
successes in the classroom first and foremost, and on the football
field, as well,” says Jeff Thorne, assistant head coach and offensive
coordinator. “Our coaching staff realizes what a special place we have
here. We look forward to working together to continue the standard of
excellence that has been set for future Cardinals.” „
KULAWIAK EARNS 700TH WIN
In his 26th year, head softball coach Jim Kulawiak achieved his 700th
win in the program, only the 12th NCAA Division III softball coach to
achieve that mark. The milestone was achieved when the team defeated
Monmouth College on March 29.
The team surprised him after the game with a plaque and banner in his
name. “It was nice,” said Kulawiak of the honor. “I wasn’t thinking about it
and didn’t expect it, but it was appreciated.”
In his time as coach, Kulawiak has produced 47 National Fastpitch
Coaches Association All-America Scholar-Athletes including eight College
Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) championships. Last season the
team traveled to regionals in the postseason with a 35-12 overall record.
“A lot of the credit goes to the players,” said Kulawiak. “We wouldn’t be
here without them. The coaches who have assisted me also play a big
part. We evolve year to year. It’s according to the personnel and how we
adapt.”
The Cardinals ended the regular season 29-9 and were ranked in the
National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Top 25 poll. North Central
also placed third in CCIW rankings with a 9-5 record.
Amanda Walker ’16 was recognized as CCIW Player of the Week (April
8-14) for her strong offensive skills at the plate. She finished as one of the
top hitters for the team and has collected six home runs on the season.
Vlasta Mangia ’14 was also distinguished as CCIW Player of the Week
(April 22-28) for her work on the mound and she will leave North Central
as one of the top pitchers. She is in the career record book for shutouts,
strikeouts, innings pitched and wins. At the plate she is among the top five
for home runs and triples. „
northcentralcollege.edu
21
1951
Dale F. Voss retired after teaching
psychology for 37 years at the
junior/community college level. He
is now part of a 10-person team of
GED prep tutors at Jennifer Road
Detention Center in Annapolis, MD,
where he is known as the “essay
man.” He is also an AP psychology
tutor at St. Peter the Rock Home
School in Millersville, MD. He and
wife Marilyn reside in Annapolis.
1958
Glenn Pfeifer and his wife Clara
Hill ’58 Pfeifer spend winters
in Civano, AZ, near Tucson and
summers in Seattle.
1969
John Daniels received the
Lifetime Achievement Award at
the 2014 Central City Business
Awards from The Milwaukee
Business Journal. He is Quarles &
Brady’s chairman emeritus, located
in Milwaukee. Honorees were
Milwaukee-area businesses and
individuals who were committed to
supporting growth and prosperity
in a central city area. The program
is designed to recognize the
important contributions businesses
and individuals make to generate
positive momentum in driving
new innovations for much-needed
jobs and commercial expansion
in central city areas in southeast
Wisconsin. Daniels has received
the American Bar Association’s
Spirit of Excellence designation
and the National Bar Association’s
Legacy Award. The National Law
Journal named him as one of the 50
most influential diverse attorneys
in America, the Business Journal of
Milwaukee listed him in its “Power
Book” and Daniels was named 2013
Managing Partner of the Year by a
group of his colleagues in U.S. law
firms. In December, he was named
chairman of the Aurora Health Care
board of directors.
1971
of Stringfellow in the chapel at
North Central in 1968. He also
contributed a chapter in the
book titled “Dying in Community:
Freedom and Decisions,” in the
book “Bury the Dead: Stories of
Death and Dying, Discipleship and
Resistance.”
1973
Janice Rinehart is a process
analyst consultant for Turnberry
Solutions. She has a master in
management degree from the
University of Phoenix and may
be contacted at jrconnect1950@
gmail.com.
Jim Sporleder retired from
Allstate Insurance Company in
Northbrook, IL, after 34 years
of employment in the law and
regulation department. As
vice president and assistant
general counsel, he supervised
the company’s legal issues. In
retirement, Sporleder will become
an active participant in reinsurance
industry arbitrations as a certified
Association Internationale de
Droit des Assurances Reinsurance
and Insurance Arbitration Society
(ARIAS) arbitrator. He and his wife
Cathy reside in North Barrington,
IL.
N O R T H
C E N T R A L
Kimberly
Lisanby Barber
is president of the
Illinois Principals
Association
located in
Springfield, IL.
Barber is elementary principal
at John F. Kennedy and Lincoln
schools in Spring Valley, IL. She
will serve a three-year term
with the Association. She and
her husband Gary Barber ’76
live in Mendota, IL, and may be
contacted at klbarber@hotmail.
com and geefbee@hotmail.com
respectively.
1978
Susan Lloyd is
executive director
of the Zilber
Family Foundation
in Milwaukee.
Her foundation
leads the 10-year,
$50 million Zilber Neighborhood
Initiative, aimed at revitalizing
some of the city’s poorest
neighborhoods scarred by poverty,
crime, foreclosures, joblessness
and low educational attainment.
1979
1974
Bill Naumann
was featured on
the front cover of
Attorney Journal
and in an article
that discussed his
philosophies and
the success of his business, The
Naumann Law Firm in San Diego.
Joyce Spizzirri is sales manager
at Lykins Oil Company in Milford,
IL. Spizzirri has more than 27 years
of experience in the industry.
Prior to joining Lykins, she served
as the general manager of the
retail division and branded sales
wholesale division for J.D. Streett
& Company, Inc. in Maryland
Heights, MO.
1976
1983
Dennis Bietsch is director of
finance for Earth Origins Market
in Palm Harbor, FL. Earth Origins
Market is a natural and organic
food store chain, which is a division
of United Natural Foods, Inc. It
currently has 13 stores in Florida,
Maryland and Massachusetts.
Bill Wylie-Kellermann, pastor
of St Peter’s Episcopal Church
in Detroit, has edited “William
Stringfellow: Essential Writings,”
which references the first hearing
22
1977
N O W
S P R I N G
2 0 1 4
Mary DiGrazia Creek, a library
media specialist at Ludwig
School in Will County School
District 92, has achieved National
Board Certification in the area of
Library Media/Early Childhood
through Young Adult. This is the
highest mark of accomplishment
in teaching. Creek first achieved
certification in 1998 as an Early
Childhood Generalist and was
recertified in 2007. She and her
husband Jim Creek ’83 live in
Lockport, IL, and have three sons
and two grandchildren. They may
be reached at mcreek@d92.org or
jascreek@aol.com.
Tom Nelson
was selected
as the Small
College Sports
Information
Director of the
Year for 20132014 by the National Wrestling
Media Association. This includes
all NCAA Division II and III, NAIA
and NJCAA wrestling programs
throughout the United States.
Nelson has worked at St. Cloud
State University since 1996 and has
been one of the top media relations
professionals for the Husky
wrestling program.
1984
John Giannini was inducted
into the Philadelphia area Small
College Coaches Association Hall
of Fame for his contributions as
the head men’s basketball coach
at Rowan University in Glassboro,
NJ. Giannini compiled a record of
168-38 for a winning percentage
of .816 over his seven seasons as
head coach and led the Rowan
University Profs to five trips to the
NCAA Tournament.
Jane Dispensa Kopecky
completed her law degree at
Concord Law School of Kaplan
University. She is now enrolled in
Capstone, Concord’s prep course
for the California bar exam.
Kevin Mulhearn
is chief financial
officer (CFO)
at Hillcrest
Health Services.
Mulhearn had
been director
of finance for Riverside Health
System’s Lifelong Health Division
and CFO for Alexian Brothers
Health System. He also has been
a certified Resident Housing
Professional and served as the
chairperson of the Commission on
Accreditation for Rehabilitation
Facilities/Continuing Care
Accreditation Commission. He
holds an M.B.A. in healthcare
administration and finance from
Lewis University.
What’s new? Email us at classnotes@noctrl.edu
Alumna shares passion for art in
“The Awakenings Project”
“We’re trying to eradicate the stigma of
living with mental illnesses by being
open about our disabilities and sharing
our abilities.”
- Irene O’Neill ‘86
I
rene O’Neill ’86 is the force
behind an art exhibit at North
Central College that celebrates
art created by people who have a
mental illness. “The Awakenings
Project” opened April 25 in the
Schoenherr Gallery at the Fine
Arts Center and will be on display
through June 22.
O’Neill is the president and
cofounder of The Awakenings
Project, which began in 1997 and
represents talented artists in
DuPage County and surrounding
areas who have a psychiatric
illness. Their art represents
a broad range of work, from
casual paintings, sculptures and
photographs by amateurs to
seasoned works by professional
artists.
“We’re trying to eradicate the
stigma of living with mental
illnesses by being open about
our disabilities and sharing our
abilities,” she says. “We hope
viewers will see lots of amazing
artwork and ask questions of the
artists.”
The Awakenings Project
underscores the ability of artists
to communicate the essence of
mental illness—its experience,
its pain and its reality—or in the
case of some, its detachment
from reality. O’Neill and the
College partnered to showcase
this exhibit during May, Mental
Health Awareness Month, as a
way to “educate others about the
positive aspects of what people
with mental illnesses are capable
of,” she says. Most of the exhibited
work is for sale.
The Awakenings Project is
presented by the Arient Family;
Naperville residents Jim and
Beth and their son Matthew are
collectors of self-taught art.
O’Neill’s guidance of the project is
in addition to her full-time job as
a psychiatric social rehabilitation
specialist for DuPage County. She
helps people with mental health
issues find jobs and resources,
including many young people who
are residing in nursing homes and
seeking other types of housing.
“My work with the project helped
me get this job,” she says.
O’Neill struggled with mental
illness for many years as she
tried to complete college and find
employment while coping with
hospitalizations. She landed a job
at Bell Labs, now Alcatel-Lucent,
which provided her with tuition
support and the motivation to
complete a computer science
degree at North Central in 1986,
graduating magna cum laude. “It
took me 13 years,” she says. “And
I was only at North Central for my
final courses as a senior, but one
of my favorite classes was Ethics
taught by (professor of philosophy)
Tim Morris. We really connected
and he’s been a supporter of
Awakenings.”
In 2001, O’Neill was able to retire
from Bell Labs and then secured her
job at DuPage County in 2004.
The Awakenings Project began as a
simple art exhibit but has continued
to flourish as an organization of
artists. “I joined Robert Lundin,
Awakenings’ cofounder, in planning
the very first Awakenings Art
Show. It was only supposed to be
one weekend in 1997 at a National
Alliance on Mental Illness-Illinois
conference, but it's still going, like
the Energizer Bunny, and it's been
quite a ride.”
For more information about
The Awakenings Project visit
awakeningsproject.org. „
northcentralcollege.edu
23
1985
Author of children’s books writing for a good cause
Scott Gonia is a nurse at OSF
Medical Group in Peoria, IL. He
earned his nursing degree from St.
Francis Nursing School in 2002 and
returned to receive his advanced
nursing degree in 2011. Gonia was
an accountant for 20 years before
changing careers.
Tony LiFonti ‘98/M ’01 co-authored “The Story of Snowy
Bear and the Lost Scarf” and “Pirate Bear and the Treasure
Hunt,” with Charles “Peanut” Tillman of the Chicago Bears.
Paul Faris ’69 is art director. Some 60 percent of all
profits will directly benefit the Charles Tillman Cornerstone
Foundation, which offers opportunities and resources to
local children and their families in need. “The books are
about children who find themselves in everyday situations
where they need a little bit of guidance,” says LiFonti, an
English teacher and coach at Glenbard North High School.
“Through experiencing the negative aspects of a situation,
they are able to grow.”
1987
Mike Budler is working at
Christian Book Discounters in
Cape Town, South Africa, as a
sales representative and church
ambassador. Budler and his four
sons all participate in The Baseball
Academy of South Africa.
LiFonti began collaborating with Tillman about two-and-a-half years ago after discussing the idea with
him during an annual celebrity flag football game. “I think what makes this series different is the parental
involvement with the bears as they work through problems,” LiFonti says. “There’s always a parent to help
guide them.”
Using his writing skills to create something beneficial for the community is special, LiFonti adds. “Bringing
awareness to the foundation and all the good it does is a positive way to make people aware and contribute
to a cause where they get something positive in return.” „
1988
Gary Fuqua hosted an Internet
safety seminar at the Village of
Shorewood’s Parks and Recreation
department. A member of the
Shorewood Area Chamber of
Commerce, Fuqua is owner of DTW,
a local company that provides
basic computer-user support,
programming services and network
security.
1989
Gonzalo Arroyo M ’89 and
Rick Guzman ’99 presented
“Empowering Families, Changing
Communities: Innovative
Approaches to Community
Development” at North Central
College in February, describing
their work helping Aurora families
break the cycle of working-class
poverty. Guzman, director of
Emmanuel House, explained how
his organization strengthens family
stability through home ownership.
Arroyo, Center Director of Family
Focus Aurora, discussed his work
in promoting “the well-being
of children by supporting and
strengthening their families in and
with their communities.”
1990
Mary Bourdeau Davolt is chief
financial officer at Englewood
Construction in Lemont, IL. Last
year, she received the Construction
Financial Management
Association’s Associate Member
24
N O R T H
C E N T R A L
Charles “Peanut” Tillman and Tony LiFonti
of the Year Award. She also has
been recognized in the Influential
Women in Business program by the
National Association of Women
in Business and The Suburban
Business Ledger. Davolt is
president of the board of directors
for Naperville CARES, which helps
local families in financial crisis with
emergency financial support and
resources.
Tony Thompson is head coach for
the Fisk University Lady Bulldog
basketball team in Huntsville, AL.
He led the squad to its highest
win total (10) since the 1989-1990
season.
1991
Randy Anderson, Ph.D., is
Americas Head of Research for
CBRE Group, Inc. Dr. Anderson has
served as principal of Bluerock Real
Estate LLC, as a professor at the
University of Central Florida and as
chief economist at CNL Financial
Group and Marcus & Millichap. He
has earned a Counselors of Real
Estate designation and been named
a Distinguished Fellow at the
NAIOP Research Foundation and a
Fellow at the Homer Hoyt Institute.
He also has written and published
more than 80 articles on real estate
investment strategies and related
topics and serves as editor of the
N O W
S P R I N G
2 0 1 4
Journal of Real Estate Portfolio
Management.
1992
Jennifer
Friederick Davis
is cofounder
and president
of Davisware in
West Dundee, IL.
Davisware is a
provider of business software that
creates solutions for its clients. She
is a member of the Little League
board of directors, an officer of
the school parent association and
a member of the school education
commission. Davis is an avid
marathon runner, competitive stairclimber and tri-athlete, and a youth
volleyball and cross country coach.
Katy Crossley Frolick was
awarded tenure and promoted to
associate professor of political
science at Denison University in
Granville, OH.
Robert Ropars self-published
“The Pleasure of Fiends: Five Tales
of the Vampire” via Amazon’s
eBook and paperback services. It
features five stand-alone vampire
stories for fans of more classic
horror.
Jeff Schaetzke served as music
director and conductor in Skylight
Music Theatre’s production of “In
the Heights” in Milwaukee. Tommy
Rivera-Vega ’11 played the lead
role in the production. Shaetzke is
company manager at the theatre,
where he acts, directs and teaches
its theatre academy. He also
has worked at American Players
Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber
Theatre and First Stage Children’s
Theatre, where he now serves as
the company manager.
Brad Troeger was featured
in Lead IT Magazine for his
implementation of the flipped
classroom model in his health and
physical education classes. He has
one of his lessons published on
TED-Ed and has been interviewed
and included in a digital book titled
“101 Flippin’ Teachers.” His lessons
have been used worldwide and
are helping carve a new outlook
on technology in the classroom.
Troeger is a health and physical
education teacher at Craig High
School in Janesville, WI. His wife
Tami is a dental assistant at Behm
Dental in Janesville. He may be
reached at btroeger@janesville.
k12.wi.us.
What’s new? Email us at classnotes@noctrl.edu
1996
Kristy Dallas,
soprano, gave
her junior recital
in Cisel Recital
Hall, Montana
State University
Billings. While
in Chicago, Dallas was a regular
guest soloist for Robert Frazen’s
“One on One” broadcast. She
made her professional opera
debut with Rimrock Opera (RO) in
2010, as Sylvaine in “The Merry
Widow” and also had principal
roles in RO’s tours of “American
Opera Idol” and “The Night Harry
Stopped Smoking,” while serving
as education coordinator for RO.
Other roles include Lula in Venture
Theatre’s “Violet” and as an actor
in the 2010 Wet Ink Festival at
Venture Theatre. Recently, she
sang the role of Frasquita in the
“Carmen” Quintet for the 2013
NOVA Summer Festival.
Jason Gerwig is vice president of
public affairs at FleishmanHillard in
Chicago. Gerwig may be contacted
at jwgike73@me.com.
1998
Josh Shames
is managing
partner at Hall
& Partners in
Chicago. Shames
is responsible
for the overall
business, management and dayto-day operations in the Chicago
office. He has been with Hall &
Partners for more than seven years,
most recently serving as partner.
Previously, he was account group
director for Millward Brown.
1999
Adam Chin was promoted to vice
president at Wells Fargo & Co.
in the consumer credit solutions
model governance and validation
group. He is responsible for
oversight and validation of credit
risk scores for the bank’s entire
unsecured consumer lending. Chin
lives in Minneapolis and may be
reached at adamchin@hotmail.com.
Kimberly Sluis was promoted to
vice president for student affairs
and dean of students at North
Central College. In addition to her
current responsibilities, she will
lead the College’s persistence
program with advisement from the
Student Persistence Committee,
which she cochairs with Peter
Barger, associate academic
dean and director of institutional
effectiveness and professor of
economics and finance. Before
coming back to North Central,
Sluis was residence hall director
at the School of the Art Institute
of Chicago and a Peace Corps
volunteer in Ghana.
2000
Ryan Dowd left Hesed House
in Aurora, IL, to start the Center
for Faith and Human Rights in
Washington, D.C. The Center
assists faith-based human rights
defenders who, in the tradition of
Martin Luther King and Desmond
Tutu, mobilize churches against
injustice. The center is currently
working in two repressive countries
in Africa, with plans to expand to
Asia later this year.
2001
Michelle Evans
is assistant
dean for health
professions and
public service
at Waubonsee
Community
College in Sugar Grove, IL. She has
served since 2008 as a full-time
Social Worker II through the Illinois
Department of Human Services
Jim Bandy: Living off the grid in Fiji
Jim Bandy ’63 wanted to make his 50-year class reunion but it’s a nearly
impossible distance from his remote home on ALSO Island in the Fiji
Islands. That’s where Bandy and wife Kyoko have lived since they arrived
on their sailboat in 2001. It was to be a temporary stop but Bandy was
suddenly immersed in the lives of the natives.
Here is what Bandy recently wrote from the island: “We arrived in Fiji
December 2001 to spend the cyclone season here. January 2002 we were
visiting the remote northeastern part of Fiji and found a village that had
no road, telephone or electricity and their boat was broken. As soon as I
repaired the boat they needed fuel and ice so they could go fishing, and
then once they had a little money they wanted a store for basic supplies
and on it went. Being a philosophy major I have always had a strong
interest in other cultures so we found the experience enjoyable and began
to assist them with projects to improve their standard of living. We
got hooked and it has been a rewarding experience, but not without its
disappointments and difficulties.”
His help was so valuable to the islanders that he was given ownership of
the remote island, which he named ALSO after his sailboat, ALSO II. Over
the years Bandy has invested his time and energy in processing Virgin
Coconut Oil (VCO), which is a hot product worldwide. He holds a patent
on a coconut dryer he invented. There is great economic potential, but the
obstacles are great.
“We have had a lot of inquiries from overseas but as yet have not found a
market buyer. That is something I need help with. It is expensive to get the
VCO out of the country, if it is shipped sea freight it is slow and may be
overheated on route. Therefore, we ship air, which is very expensive. Also,
if someone is knowledgeable of the filtering process I would appreciate
some help. I still want to develop a way to make charcoal from the shells.
More work! Keeps me out mischief.”
A fellow world sailor met
up with Bandy and his wife
in 2010: “I expected to find
two skinny, mosquito-bitten
idealists huddled under a
lean-to while scratching out
a meager living. Instead,
we found a thriving little
compound complete with
generators, running water, a
cookhouse, radio antennas,
tourist accommodations
and a comfortable home
for Jim and Kyoko. Forget
tropical torpor; ALSO
Island buzzes with a
staff of 20 building and
Jim Bandy ‘63 with wife Kyoko
repairing boats, operating
a small dry-goods store that serves the surrounding three villages, and a
scheduled boat transport to the distant regional capital of Labasa.”
Bandy ends his story with an open invitation: “Anyone wanting to
learn about living and working in a different culture or living off the
grid, we welcome visitors! Come for a visit!! We do get a little
lonesome out here.”
Contact him at alsoisland@gmail.com or wdc7994@snailmail.com. „
northcentralcollege.edu
25
Jonathan Miers can’t be stopped by a typhoon
The City of Tacloban stands still. The 235 mph winds, the 27 inches of rain, the relentless power of Typhoon
Haiyan—they haven’t touched the Philippines since November 2013. The typhoon, which killed more than
5,000 people and carelessly washed neighborhoods away, hasn’t released a raindrop or whispered a gust
for months. And yet, as Jonathan Miers ’07/M ’11 rises for a quiet spring morning in Tacloban, he knows
his day will be spent fixing what Haiyan broke.
“There’s still destruction visible throughout the city,” says Miers. “Debris is still everywhere, and there are
still areas that clearly haven’t been touched.”
The word “still” is a common theme for Tacloban; the basic infrastructure is still shattered, some 13 million
people are still impacted, and Miers is still raising money to provide food and water, fix shredded roofs and
mend the lives of the people. Miers works for the GoAbroad Foundation, a Colorado nonprofit charity that
connects individuals with sustainable development initiatives. Miers has personally raised $23,000 and
helped track and locate missing GoAbroad employees, volunteers and families lost in the raging storm.
“It’s been great to get employees back in the community and
closer to their families,” says Miers. “The funds I raised are
being allocated toward building homes near our organization’s
community center and helping individuals connected to the
nonprofit.”
Miers majored in marketing as an undergraduate, and later
received an M.B.A. from North Central in 2011. Inspired
by his undergraduate study abroad experience in London,
Miers knew what he wanted to do: live and work abroad. He
landed a position within GoAbroad, and with 80 employees to
supervise and an office in the Philippines, Miers’ bright career
was moving fast. The next year, the black clouds of Typhoon
Haiyan crashed over the island’s shore.
His offices damaged, his organization’s employees missing,
his new home in chaos—a single storm halted Miers’ life.
As the waters receded, everything on the island stood still.
A Philippine Air Force C130 plane carried Miers over the
wreckage to Manila, the Philippine capital. Miers stayed
in the city for a week, locating employees and sending as
much aid as possible to Tacloban. He then travelled to Cebu, a Philippine island province, where he set up a
temporary office.
In December 2013, Miers stood on stage at North Central’s Meiley-Swallow Hall and told his story. He told
how, after the storm, he helped find missing people, relocate GoAbroad’s office and resume the charity’s
operations. After leaving the stage, he didn’t stay in Illinois for long; he headed back to Tacloban, raising
funds for relief efforts. Miers refuses to stand still.
“There is so much to be done,” he says.
Potential donors may contact Miers at jsmiers@gmail.com or visit visayans.org/donate.
26
N O R T H
C E N T R A L
N O W
S P R I N G
2 0 1 4
as part of the Forensic Treatment
Program at the Elgin Mental Health
Center. Since 2012, she also has
served as a bilingual therapist
at Nickerson and Associates in
Winfield, IL. Evans’ past service
includes work as a resource and
referral counselor at Linden Oaks
at Edward Hospital in Naperville,
an intervention specialist at Aunt
Martha’s Youth Service Center in
Elgin and a child welfare advanced
specialist at the Illinois Department
of Children and Family Services in
Elgin. Evans earned a master of
social work degree in 2004 from
Aurora University, where she also
is pursuing a doctorate of social
work.
2002
Patrick Gaskin M ’02 was
appointed principal of Lincoln
Junior High School in Naperville.
Previously, he served as principal
at Elmwood Elementary School for
seven years.
Brandon Hoeft M ’06 is associate
director of development at North
Central College.
Mark Kolkman M ’02 was named
principal of Hinsdale Central High
School in Hinsdale, IL, for the 20142015 school year. He previously
served as assistant principal at
Neuqua Valley High School in
Naperville.
2003
Brian Craig M ’06 taught a
400-level computer science class at
North Central in fall term 2013. He
is also part of a research team that
is tasked with building a logistical
model for nuclear energy waste
transportation and storage for the
U.S. government.
Bryan Shell was recognized by
his peers for the second straight
year as a Rising Star attorney by
Illinois Super Lawyers magazine.
He is an associate with Block,
Klukas & Manzella in Joliet, IL, and
focuses on workers compensation
and personal injury cases in Cook,
DuPage, Grundy, LaSalle and
Will counties. Shell is a certified
mediation specialist, who has been
published in several mediation
What’s new? Email us at classnotes@noctrl.edu
journals and earned his mediation
certification at Hamline School of
Law in St. Paul, MN.
Russell Webster is a visiting
assistant professor of psychology
at North Central College. He has
copublished a study titled “Angels
and Demons Are Among Us:
Assessing Individual Differences
in Belief in Pure Evil and Belief
in Pure Good” in the Personality
and Social Psychology Bulletin.
Webster received his master
of psychology from Ball State
University in Muncie, IN, and his
Ph.D. from Kansas State University
in Manhattan, KS.
2004
Doug Eccarius was promoted to
assistant superintendent of human
resources in Indian Prairie School
District 204. Previously, he was
the assistant superintendent of
human resources for Community
Consolidated School District 181 in
Burr Ridge. There, he also served
as principal of Lane Elementary
School in Hinsdale, director of the
district’s summer school program
and assistant principal and athletic
director at Clarendon Hills Middle
School. He began his career in
education in 1997 as a seventhgrade math and geography teacher
at District 204’s Gregory Middle
School in Naperville.
Shane Gillespie is an English
teacher at East Aurora High School
in Aurora, IL. In a class he taught
called Survivor Literature, he and
some 60 students spent 14 hours
walking from their school to Soldier
Field in Chicago. The walk raised
money to bring a former child
soldier, whose book they read, to
the school to speak.
Ryan Kauffman M ’08 is
collecting petition signatures for
Gov. Pat Quinn. He is currently a
technical coordinator at Northern
Trust in Chicago.
Brian Storako is a teacher and
head baseball coach for Lemont
High School in Lemont, IL. He
holds an M.A. in curriculum and
instruction from National-Louis
University in Chicago. He may be
reached at brians@lemont.k12.il.us.
Mike Ulreich is the defensive
coordinator for the Naperville
Central High School football team
and a social studies teacher.
Naperville Central won the 8A
Illinois State championship last
football season.
Brian Waterman
M ’04 was named
principal of Lyons
Township High
School in La
Grange, IL, for the
2014-2015 school
year. He began his education career
in 1999 as a business education
teacher at Westmont High School
in Westmont, IL, before becoming
the school assistant principal in
2003. Waterman held the same
position at Glenbard North High
School in Carol Stream, IL, before
taking over as principal at Hinsdale
South in Darien, IL.
Katie Powers Weber is director
of membership development at
Naperville Country Club. Weber
maintains membership with
the Naperville Jaycees and the
Naperville Chamber of Commerce,
and is an active participant in the
Private Club Marketing Association.
She also was accepted to the Club
Managers Association of America
and is slated to serve on the 2014
Membership Committee. She may
be contacted at katieweber21@
gmail.com.
cochair of the Conference Program
Committee.
Melissa Lankan Moreno is
a human resources generalist
at Cavignac & Associates in
San Diego. Moreno administers
operations of the agency’s human
resources department and lends
knowledge of legal compliance
and best practices to the support
agency’s business goals. She
previously served as senior human
resources generalist for Emerald
Connect in San Diego and as a
human resources assistant for MF
Global in Chicago.
2007
Courtney Mambourg Daniels
was featured in Women’s Running
Magazine.
Heather-Lynn Ulbrich Dauphiny
is the communications manager for
the Orlando Health Foundation. She
resides in Winter Garden, FL, with
her husband their two children. She
may be reached at hldauphiny@
gmail.com.
Jen Barger Hannon is community
engagement director at Naperville
Community Television (NCTV). She
previously served as anchor and
producer of “Naperville News 17.”
Sandy Marchetti read selections
from her original works for an
audience of students, alumni and
community members in February
at North Central College. She
graduated from George Mason
University in 2010 with an M.F.A.
Britt Heinz Amborn was
in creative writing (poetry). Her
accepted to Humphrey School of
debut of a full-length collection of
Public Affairs at the University of
poems titled “Confluence,” will be
Minnesota in Minneapolis and is
published in 2014 by Gold Wake
pursuing a master of public policy
with a concentration in women and Press. An illustrated press edition
of her essays and poetry, titled
policy.
“A Detail in the Landscape,” is
Scott Drucker and RJ
also forthcoming from Eating Dog
McNichols ’11 presented
Press. She recently took second
“Breaking Into the Film Biz” at
prize in Prick of the Spindle’s 2014
North Central College in March.
Poetry Open Competition and was
Their talk and Q&A was directed
named winner of the Midwest
toward young filmmakers, students
Writing Center’s 2011 Mississippi
of interactive media and fans of
Valley Poetry Chapbook Contest
contemporary documentary film with
for her volume “The Canopy.” At
a community and social conscience.
North Central, she received the
Erin Ufheil Hoover is an assistant 2007 Outstanding Major in Writing
director of admission at McKendree Award. Marchetti teaches and
tutors writing at Aurora University.
University in Lebanon, IL, and a
2005
Megan O’Neil Story appeared in
a sketch comedy called “Chocolate
Sundae” on Showtime.
Eric
Stuedemann
M ’08 is the
football offensive
coordinator and
quarterbacks
coach for Aurora
University. He also has some
Division I coaching experience
with stints at the University of
Tennessee Martin and Mississippi
State University. As a studentathlete at North Central,
Stuedemann was an All-American
wide receiver, a two-time offensive
MVP, a two-time team MVP, team
captain, two-time All-Conference
selection, two-time All-North
Region selection and Don Hansen
Football Gazette All-American.
2008
Mark Baglione is choral director
at Galena High School and Middle
School in Galena, IL.
Tim Brodeur is an art teacher and
honor society advisor at Naperville
North High School in Naperville.
He and his students contributed a
gingerbread man sculpture to the
Downtown Naperville Alliance
holiday lights celebration; their
sculpture was located at Naper
Settlement and is a tribute to Cock
Robin ice cream shop, which was a
favorite in downtown Naperville for
nearly 70 years.
Andrew Doyle received his J.D.
from Northern Illinois University
Law School and was admitted to
the Illinois State Bar Association.
He is an assistant state’s attorney
for Ogle County, IL. He and his wife
and daughter reside in Naperville.
Tracy Rogers Dvorchak was
appointed principal of Prairie
Elementary School in Naperville.
Dvorchak was the assistant
principal at both Kingsley and
Meadow Glens Elementary schools,
both in Naperville. She was also
a second-grade teacher for eight
years.
northcentralcollege.edu
27
2009
Brandon Cervantes received
the National Director of Law
Enforcement and Investigations
Award for 2012 Hero of the Year.
While on duty in South Carolina,
Cervantes’ decisive heroic action
resulted in saving a woman’s life.
He is a federal law enforcement
officer for the U.S. Forest Service in
Asheville, NC, and is a Coast Guard
veteran. He may be reached at
bwcervantes@fs.fed.us.
Bailey Hinz is music therapist
at Dynamic Music Therapy in Las
Vegas. She also contracts as a
music therapist through her private
practice, Synapse Music Therapy,
which also serves the greater Las
Vegas area. She may be reached at
bihinz@gmail.com.
Miranda Thorpe spoke on campus
for an alumni lunch. She is in a
Ph.D. school assessment program
in Wisconsin.
Eric Young was promoted to
sales manager at comScore, Inc. in
Reston, VA. He manages new sales
for the U.S. Central and Mountain
regions. He may be reached at
ericdyoung@yahoo.com.
2010
Kyle Brady won the fifth annual
F^3 Lake Half Marathon, Chicago’s
original winter half marathon.
Grant Gustafson and Jonathan
Rainville will be performing
with their band Blank Range at
the Bonnaroo Music Festival in
June. Bonnaroo is one of the
most prestigious music events in
the nation, attracting more than
100,000 people each year. It was
named one of the 50 events that
changed music by Rolling Stone
Magazine.
Tim Janecek M
’13 is defensive
line football
coach at Aurora
University. As a
student-athlete
at North Central,
he was a four-year letter winner
and two-year starter at defensive
end for the Cardinals from 20062009. He also was part of four
28
N O R T H
C E N T R A L
CCIW championship teams and
three teams that qualified for
NCAA Division III Championship
competition.
Alex Knobloch was matched
for a family medicine residency at
Eglin Air Force Base, located near
Fort Walton Beach, FL. This comes
after completing the first two
years of preclinical coursework in
Bethesda, MD, followed by a year
and a half of traveling to various
military treatment facilities and
VA hospitals (from Honolulu to Las
Vegas to Tacoma to Portsmouth) for
core and elective clerkships.
Keith Matune M ’10 was a
Republican primary candidate for
Illinois House District 81. Matune
also has a master’s degree in
education from Purdue University.
He is currently a social studies
teacher at Waubonsee Valley High
School in Aurora, IL.
Kelly Peterson graduated magna
cum laude from Chamberlain
College of Nursing in Addison, IL.
2011
Catherine Borzym led a
discussion group during North
Central College’s Self-Employment
in the Arts Conference, which is
geared toward career development
for visual, performing, literary and
media art students and faculty,
along with other emerging artists.
Greg Schroeder is a special
education assistant at Batavia High
School in Batavia, IL. Schroeder
also teaches health full time and is
an assistant coach for the wrestling
and football teams.
2012
Ann Grenevitch M ’12 opened her
own business, Ruth Ann’s Sweets,
in Huntley, IL. “I knew I wanted to
have my own business,” she said.
“It was just something I could be
very passionate about. Everybody
has a passion, and they have to
figure out what it is.” Grenevitch
was a professor of marketing at
Kendall College in Chicago and
also taught various baking classes
around the suburbs.
N O W
S P R I N G
2 0 1 4
A career in compassion
that began at North Central
A passion for serving people and a
talent for medicine has led Dr. Philip
Eichling ’66 on a lifelong career
journey into international, public
and preventative health, and most
recently, as a specialist in treating
sleep disorders. He is currently in
private practice as a specialist in sleep
medicine in Tucson, AZ, which has
resulted in him “slowing down” to 4050 hours per week.
“This has allowed me to ratchet down the engines, you might say,”
Eichling says. “Yet it still allows me to help people, because sleep
problems are a pervasive issue in our culture and there aren’t that
many specialists in the field.” Research shows that 75 percent of the
population has some type of sleep problem at least intermittently; 10
percent experience insomnia, 10 percent suffer from sleep apnea and
10 percent has Restless Legs Syndrome.
A common thread of human compassion and service has woven
through his multifaceted career since he was a student at North
Central. Eichling was active in campus ministry with the Rev. George
St. Angelo ’43 and joined the North Central trip to Selma, AL, to march
for voter rights. He also participated in civil rights activities in Chicago
with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
“At a liberal arts school, where you take humanities courses with your
science courses, you are prepared to become a humanist doctor, not
a scientist doctor,” Eichling explains. “That’s what evolves out of that
type of education. And you also gain humility as part of the humanity.”
Eichling had thought he was destined to become a medical missionary
so he took pre-med courses at North Central and then headed to the
University of Chicago for a master’s in theology. He later received
a master’s in public health from Harvard University and a medical
degree from New York University. During the Vietnam War, he was
given the option to help set up public health clinics in Phoenix for the
underserved population there.
When that commitment ended, Eichling enjoyed adventures to Nepal,
where he served as a physician for Himalayan expeditions; as a
medical consultant in Pune, India, for an Ashram community; and later
as a doctor for a commune of several thousand people in Madras, OR.
He moved to Arizona in 1985 to work in internal medicine and then
went to Canyon Ranch Health and Fitness Resort in Tucson in 1988
as director of the executive health program. Clients there undergo
a complete physical to assess their health. “We focused on helping
people change their lives in all ways—medically, emotionally and
spiritually,” he says. “I also set up a sleep lab there, which led to my
work today.” Eichling is involved in sleep research at the University of
Arizona, where he is a clinical associate professor of medicine.
He knew in medical school that he’d chosen the right field for his life’s
work. “I always wanted to take care of people, to be part of their life
struggles and to connect with them as they are making changes in
their lives and becoming healthy.”
Eichling may be reached at Philip.eichling@comprehensivesleep.com. „
What’s new? Email us at classnotes@noctrl.edu
Garrett Lutz was cast for the
role of Dimas in “Triumph of
Love” with The Music Theatre
Company. He was last seen in
“The Wedding Singer” at Haven
Theatre and “Shuffle Off “ during
Collaboraction’s 13th Annual
Sketchbook Festival. Lutz was also
a part of the American Theater
Company’s “HAIR.”
Giuseppe Pellicano’s current
work, “The Grenade Series,” won
first place at the local Hines VA
Hospital Veterans Creative Art
Festival. It also was selected for
a national competition by the
Veterans Administration and won
first place and best in show in
Reno, NV.
Kelly Rivard is search engine
optimization specialist at Platt
Form, an advertising agency
specializing in higher education
marketing and communications in
Lenexa, KS. She may be contacted
at kelly.rivard@plattform.com.
Marty Rossman M ’12 is dean
of financial aid at North Central
College. He provides leadership and
develops structures and programs
for the Office of Financial Aid.
Rossman also will collaborate
on the development of financial
aid policy decisions, student aid
expenditures and the strategic use
of all aid sources.
Hannah Toriumi played Amber
Morris in the television series
“Chicago P.D.” Previously, she
starred as Lydia in the short film
“Robot vs Verses” in 2013.
2013
Marriages
Carly Johnston is serving as a
Peace Corps volunteer in Indonesia
where she teaches English. She
left in March 2014 and will serve
for at least 27 months. She may be
reached at carlyjohnston@gmail.
com.
Amanda Hill ’00 to Michael Shea
on December 21, 2013. Amanda is
a marketing specialist and alumni
coordinator for the Northern Illinois
University College of Engineering
and Engineering Technology.
Michael is a firefighter for the city
of Milwaukee. The couple lives
in Sycamore, IL, with their five
children, Caden, 10, Evyn, 9, Brady,
8, Clare, 7, and Quinn, 5. They may
be reached at acarrier@niu.edu.
Emily Risher is associate account
manager for 360i, a digital agency
specializing in search engine
marketing, social media, mobile
marketing and web design and
development. Risher manages
multiple consumer packed goods
accounts such as Kraft Cheese,
Philadelphia Cream Cheese and
Ben & Jerry’s.
Deb Zeitlin ’01 to Jason Evans
on July 24, 2013, in Hawaii. Deb’s
mother Susan Zeitlin ’93 walked
the bride down the aisle. Deb is
an occupational therapist working
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REUNION YEARS
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northcentralcollege.edu/homecoming
northcentralcollege.edu
29
in Naperville and Jason is an IT
specialist for IIT Sourcetech in
Lisle. The couple lives in Naperville
and may be reached at debzeitlin@
gmail.com.
Shannon Peart ’05 to Scott
Youmans on February 8 in
Snohomish, WA. Members of the
wedding party included Jennifer
Walters ’06 Brown, Steven
Peart ’07 and Ashley Prescott
’06 Barlow-Thompson. Shannon
is a pre-kindergarten teacher and
Scott is a snowshoe engineer at K2
Sports. The couple lives in Seattle
and may be reached at sapeart@
gmail.com.
Mark Peiffer ’05 to Annie Craig
on December 31, 2013, at Second
Congregational Church in Rockford,
IL. Members of the wedding party
included Pete Brown ’05, Ben
Hare ’06, Bobby Fennel ’06
and Megan Peiffer ’07. Mark
is a coach, athletic director and
assistant principal at Dakota High
School. Annie is a second-grade
teacher in the Rockford Public
School District and softball coach
at Jefferson High School. The
couple resides in Lake Summerset,
IL, and may be reached at
mjpeiffer@hotmail.com.
Samantha Dastice ’08 and Jesse
Shuman ’09 on June 15, 2013.
Members of the bridal party included
Jenna Sheldon ’08 Dunn, Sarah
Adams ’08 Schulte, Elizabeth
Bonifas ’08 Kawczynski, Jaclyn
Sprawka ’08, Perry Welch ’09,
Brandon Lott ’09 and Kam Kniss
’09. Samantha is a principal at Piper
Elementary School in Berwyn, IL, and
Jesse is a sales analyst for Kelloggs.
The couple lives in Darien, IL.
Pearce Dowden ’08 and Lauren
Romero ’08 in July 2013 in Galena,
IL. Both Pearce and Lauren are
teachers in Chicago.
30
N O R T H
C E N T R A L
Jennifer
Kirchhof ’08 to
Mitchell Willis
on January 4
in Hiram, GA.
Jennifer is a
middle school
language arts special education
teacher and Mitch is a firefighter
for the City of Atlanta. The couple
lives in Villa Rica, GA, and may be
reached at jennie6204@gmail.com.
Eugenia
Rakhno ’08 to
Denis Perevalov
on October
13, 2013. The
wedding party
included Eugenia
Arshinova ’08 and Julia
Prokofieva ’05. Eugenia earned
a Ph.D. in medical physics from
Vanderbilt University. Denis is a
physics postdoctoral scholar at
Fermilab. The couple may be reached
at eugenia.rakhno@gmail.com.
Amelia O’Donnell ’09 to James
Rosser on October 19, 2013, in
Omaha, NE. Alumni in the wedding
party included Laurel White ’10,
Ashley Bianchi ’10 and Sarah
Arter ’10. Amelia is a housing
specialist for Heartland Family
Service in Omaha.
Nicholas Smith
’10 and Tracy
Mattis ’11 on June
22, 2013, at Sacred
Heart Church in
Lombard, IL. The
wedding party
included Katelynn Schmidt ’11,
Dominic Sulo ’10, Matt Wenger
’10 and Zach Baldacci ’10. Nick is
an associate manager of commercial
forecasting at Lundbeck LLC and
Tracy is a seventh-grade teacher in
Carol Stream. The couple lives in
Bartlett, IL.
Ellyn Gilmore ’11 to Matthew
Schoenholz on November 9, 2013,
at Zion United Methodist Church
in Mendota, IL. Ellyn is a loan
servicing specialist at First State
Bank in Mendota and Matthew is a
farmer. The couple may be reached
at ellyn.gilmore@gmail.com.
N O W
S P R I N G
2 0 1 4
Births
Brooke Simon
’94 and Eric
Futterer, a
daughter, Molly
Rose, on July 14,
2013, weighing
6 lbs., 5 oz., and
measuring 19 inches. Brooke is
a family nurse practitioner with
Target Clinics in Warrenville, IL. The
family lives in Plainfield and may be
reached at bikerflychic@gmail.com.
Joel Johnson
’96 and his wife
Andrea, a son,
Jonathan David
Immanuel, on
October 11, 2013,
weighing 8 lbs.,
4 oz., and measuring 20 inches. He
joins sister Marisa Janae Simone,
7. The family lives in Chicago and
may be reached at nu_ascension@
yahoo.com.
Chris ’01 and Kristina
Villanueva ’01 Spychalski, a
son, Brayden John, on August 6,
2013, weighing 6 lbs., 14 oz. The
family lives in Tinley Park, IL, and
may be reached at kristinavill@
yahoo.com.
Brandon Hoeft ’02/M ’06 and
his wife Jen, a son, Brady Edmund,
on October 28, 2013, weighing
8 lbs., 7 oz., and measuring 19
inches. He joins brother Bennett,
2. Brandon is an associate director
of development at North Central
College and Jen is a stay-at-home
mom. The family lives in Naperville
and may be reached at bdhoeft@
noctrl.edu.
Sarah Shivers ’02 Malik and her
husband Nadeem, a son, William
Joseph, on February 27, weighing
7 lbs., 4 oz., and measuring 19
inches. Sarah is learning services
project manager for Naperville
Community Unit School District 203
and Nadeem is a major accounts
manager with an IT company. The
famly lives in Glen Ellyn, IL, and
may be reached at sarah_liz32@
yahoo.com.
Jay ’03/M ’09
and Erin Ufheil
’05 Hoover, a
son, Holden Eric,
on November 2,
2013, weighing
9 lbs. and
measuring 21 inches. He joins
brothers Hayden and Hudson. The
family lives in Plainfield, IL, and may
be reached at jayanderinhoover@
yahoo.com.
Jesse ’04 and Abby Timmons
’05 Fugitt, a son, Jase Anderson,
on November 14, 2013, weighing
7 lbs., 15 oz., and measuring 19
inches. He joins sisters Adalynn,
3, and Aubry, 1. Jesse is a senior
softward engineer with Informatica
and Abby is a stay-at-home mom.
The family lives in Oswego, IL,
and may be reached at jesse_
abby_13@yahoo.com.
Dana Ruopoli ’05 Miles and her
husband John, a daughter, Reese,
weighing 6 lbs. and measuring 19
inches. Dana is a second-grade
teacher in the Oswego Community
Unit School District 308. The family
lives in Oswego, IL, and may be
reached at dmiles@oswego308.org.
Tyler ’06 and Karri Prather ’07
Bell, a son, Landon Martin, on
January 10, weighing 8 lbs., 13 oz.,
and measuring 21 inches. He joins
Carson, 3. Tyler is the technology
services supervisor for Belvidere
School District 100 and Karri is an
account manager at C.H. Robinson.
The family lives in Belvidere, IL, and
may be reached at tbell2@gmail.
com or curlyq1203@gmail.com.
Michael
Musselman
’08 and his wife
Sydney, a son,
Luke Thomas,
December 2,
2013, weighing 8
lbs., 2 oz., and measuring 21 inches.
What’s new? Email us at classnotes@noctrl.edu
Michael is assistant technical
director/production consultant for
North Central College’s performing
arts. Sydney is a graphic designer
for Threshold Acoustics, an
acoustical architecture firm. She
also runs Studio 255, her custom
stamp and stationery company.
The family lives in Downers
Grove, IL, and may be reached at
mamusselman@noctrl.edu.
In memoriam
Myrtle Born ’36 Beese of
Naperville on December 23,
2013.
Julian Voss ’49 of Naperville
on November 11, 2013. He is
survived by his wife Maxine.
Joseph Morin ’39 of Cairo, IL,
on July 15, 2013. He is survived
by his wife Libby.
James Bloy ’50 of Knoxville,
TN, on December 2, 2013.
George Rausch ’56 of Corpus
Christi, TX, on December 29,
2013.
Elaine Gasser ’50 of Asheville,
NC on December 23, 2013.
Dorothea Bossard ’57 Smith
of Bristol, IL, on January 8.
James Retzlaff ’50 of
Reedsburg, WI, on December 13,
2013. He is survived by his wife
Geraldine.
Torrey “Bud” Kaatz ’58 of
Maumee, OH, and Scottsdale,
AZ, on January 27. He is survived
by his wife Margaret.
Jacklyn Freeman ’51 Zielske
of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, on July
7, 2013. She is survived by her
husband Robert.
Joseph Dichtl ’63 of
Warrenville, IL, on October 13,
2013. He is survived by his wife
Edith.
Mildred Spliethoff ’52 Craig of
Naperville on December 15, 2013.
John Hinz ’73 of Birchwood, WI,
on February 23, 2012.
Nova Cobb ’52 Shilt of
Plymouth, IN, on October 24,
2013. She was preceeded in
death by her husband Ray ’50.
Roger Kriegshauser ’84 of
Hugo, MN, on October 2, 2013.
John Worsley ’40 of
Waynesboro, VA, on January 21.
Virginia Berger ’42 Schultz
of Denmark, WI, on October 26,
2013, at age 92.
Adam Johnson ’09 and his wife
Melanie, a son, Gabriel Prosper,
on December 8, 2013, weighing
7 lbs., 9 oz., and measuring 21
inches. Adam is a University of
Minnesota campus minister with
The Navigators. The family lives in
St. Paul, MN, and may be reached
at adamjohnson2005@gmail.com.
Casey Graham
’10 Barrette
and her husband
Corey, a son,
Sullivan Lane, on
March 25, 2013,
weighing 7 lbs.,
12 oz., and measuring 21 inches.
Casey is a youth services specialist
for refugees with World Relief and
Corey is an operations manager for
the mobilepack department at Feed
My Starving Children in Aurora.
The family lives in Naperville and
may be reached at cmgraham87@
gmail.com.
Brian ’10
and Antonia
Jankowski ’10
Waters adopted
a daughter, Ruth
Marilyn, born
November 6,
2013, weighing 5 lbs., 12 oz., and
measuring 18 inches. Brian works
in financial services at a small firm
and Antonia is a banker for US
Bank. „
Hilbert Berger ’43 of Lafayette,
IN, on September 6, 2013.
Dorothy Schoephorster
’46 Keen of Oshkosh, WI, on
February 10.
Eilene Leischner ’46 Graf of
Aberdeen, SD, on January 8 at
age 90.
The Reverend Harold Kraft ’48
of Rochester, MN, on February 4.
He is survived by his wife Ruth.
The Reverend George
Worner ’52 of Colorado Springs,
CO, on September 6, 2013. He is
survived by his wife Linnea.
Ray R. Moore ’48 of Tristin, CA,
on August 17, 2013.
James “Duke” Enzinna ’49 of
Aurora, IL, on July 6, 2013.
Doris Moll ’53 Heumann of La
Crescenta, CA, on November 4,
2013.
Joyce Krebs ’55 Johnson of
Winfield, IL, on February 4.
Marcia Martin M ’97 of
Wheaton, IL, on February 21. She
was preceded in death by her
husband Robert, former mayor of
Wheaton.
Jeffrey Rivera ’99 of Rockford,
IL, on November 10, 2013. He is
survived by his parents Phil and
Nancy. „
G. Ward Stearns ’56
Life Trustee G. Ward Stearns ’56 died March 8 at age 83. A loyal
alumnus, Stearns served North Central College in many ways. A member
of the Board of Trustees from 1984 to 1996, he was vice chairman
of the Public Affairs and Development Committee during part of his
tenure before becoming a Life Trustee. In 1988, he was honored with an
Outstanding Alumnus Award. Throughout his life, Stearns was generous
to the College and community with his time, expertise and resources.
After graduating from Naperville High School, Stearns enrolled at North
Central College. His education was interrupted with four years of service
in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War before he earned a degree
in business administration. He completed graduate courses at the
University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking.
A believer in a strong work ethic, Stearns had a successful career in the
banking industry. At his retirement in 1992, he was president and chief
executive officer of Harris Bank Naperville. During his career, he also
was a bank examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, vice president of Naperville National Bank
and president of the Bank of Westmont before his appointment at Harris Bank in 1970.
He served his community as president and board member of many organizations, including the Naperville
Rotary Club, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Naperville United Way, DuPage Council of the Boy
Scouts of America and more. In 1983, he was awarded the Naperville Jaycees Distinguished Service Award.
He is survived by his wife Jane and two daughters, Priscilla Durkin and Sarah O’Keefe. „
northcentralcollege.edu
31
Alumni Calendar
New alumni activities are added throughout the year. For additional events, visit the College
website at northcentralcollege.edu/alumni. You may also call North Central’s Office of Alumni
Relations at 800-611-1861 or contact Adrian Aldrich ’02, executive director of development and
alumni affairs at 630-637-5201.
June
If you’d like to
receive alumni event
notifications via email,
please send your name
and email address to
alumni@noctrl.edu.
October
Quarterback Club Golf Outing
Monday, August 4
11:30 a.m. check-in
12:30 p.m. shotgun start
5:30 p.m. dinner
Tamarack Golf Club, Naperville
Tip-Off Club Golf Scramble
Friday, June 27
Noon check-in
1 p.m. shotgun start
Bourne Golf Course, Marsailles, IL
Registration required.*
Registration required.*
Craig E. Fischer
Wrestling Golf Outing
Saturday, June 28
7:30 a.m. check-in
8 a.m. tee times
Tamarack Golf Club, Naperville
9th Annual Mironda K. Heston ’02
Scholarship for Public Service
Golf Outing
Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m.
11 a.m. Raffle and Silent auction open
1 p.m. Golf
Woodbine Golf Course, Homer Glen, IL
Please note the change in location
for this year’s outing. Registration
required.*
17th Annual Cross Country and
Track & Field Alumni and Friends
Golf Outing
Sunday, September 28
Tamarack Golf Club
8 a.m. check-in
9 a.m. start
2 p.m. Barbecue and silent auction
For more information, contact coach
Frank Gramarosso at 630-637-5507 or
ftgramarosso@noctrl.edu.
Homecoming, Reunion and
Athletic Hall of Fame Weekend
October 16-19
Join us for the Outstanding Alumni
Awards, Athletic Hall of Fame, 50-Year
Club Induction, special reunions, annual
Homecoming Concert and much more!
Be sure to visit northcentralcollege.
edu/homecoming for up-to-date news
and events.
To register visit northcentralcollege.
edu/alumni and click on Mironda K.
Heston ‘02 Scholership Golf Outing or
contact Jim Owczarski at 708-533-6115.
August
Cross Country and
Track & Field Alumni Picnic
Saturday, August 2, 1 p.m.
Coach Al Carius’ home
September
Join coaches, alumni and friends for the
annual Alumni Picnic to kick off another
great season for Men’s Cross Country.
17th Annual Megan Sweeney
Scholarship Fund Golf Outing
Monday, September 22
11 a.m. check-in
Noon shotgun start
Blackberry Oaks Golf Course Bristol, IL
For more information, please contact
Mark Sweeney at 630-852-8576.
*Unless otherwise noted, RSVP to the
Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@
noctrl.edu or call 630-637-5200.
Fall 2014
Alumni and Quarterback Club Hospitality Tent
Join members of the North Central family in the north end zone one hour before
kickoff at each home game for food and refreshments. Please bring your
activity pass or Quarterback Club pass for entry into the hospitality area.
» September 20, vs. U-W Platteville – 6 p.m. game
» October 4, vs. Millikin – 6 p.m. game
» October 18, vs. Carthage – 2 p.m. game – HOMECOMING
» November 1, vs. Illinois Wesleyan – 1 p.m. game
» November 8, vs. Augustana – 1 p.m. game
Fine & Performing Arts - Summer Musicals
Join us for the shows and reception at the A. A. Smith House following the shows! To purchase tickets contact 630-637-SHOW. Contact
the Office of Alumni Relations at 630-637-5200 or alumni@noctrl.edu to RSVP for receptions. The cost for reception is $10.
Summer Light Opera Gilbert & Sullivan’s
“Trial by Jury” & “The Sorcerer”
Sunday, July 13
“Evita”
Sunday, June 22
Alumni Board
Alumni Officers
President
Office of Alumni Relations and
Development
Lori Nita ’02 Novak
Vice President for Activities
Brian Boyer ’79
Vice President for Awards
and Recognition
Paula Strickland ’82 Helberg
Vice President for Development
Andrea Beck ’97
Carli Franks ’05
N O R T H
Colorado Alumni Club
Sophie Faust ’93
sophie_faust@yahoo.com
Florida Alumni Club
African-American Alumni
Association
Nick Zec ’81
nickzec@prodigy.net
Georgia Alumni Club
William H. Davis ’71
wdavis1803@aol.com
Kary Kaczmarski ’88 Gilkeson
karylyn28@hotmail.com
Chicago Alumni Club
Mid-Atlantic Alumni Club
Kristin Spaulding ’88 Frank
kristin.frank@verizonbusiness.com
Becky Blanchard ’88 Kesic
becky.kesic@verizon.net
San Diego Alumni Club
Kathy Huffman ’82
nccalumsandiego@aol.com
Lisa Wollersheim-Healy ’89
lisa.wollersheim@sbcglobal.net
Secretary
32
Adrian Aldrich ’02
amaldrich@noctrl.edu
“Bye Bye Birdie”
Sunday, August 3
C E N T R A L
N O W
S P R I N G
2 0 1 4
For more information about North Central College alumni clubs or travel
opportunities, call 800-611-1861 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/alumni.
Send your updates to alumni@noctrl.edu.
COM PETING ON A
National Level
North Central College has some
of the top-ranked students in the
country. This past academic year we
celebrated the following achievements:
•
Goldwater Scholar Honorable Mention
•
Three Fulbright appointments
•
Record number of student presenters at the
National Conference on Undergraduate Research
•
•
•
•
Chronicle website, American Marketing
Association and Model United Nations national
awards
Best collegiate jazz vocal soloist
Four first-place awards and 13 finalist trophies
from the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System for
WONC-FM 89.1
National Football Foundation honors for nine
student-athletes
Your financial support to the
North Central College Fund helps
ensure our students’ success.
Please make your gift prior to the end
of the fiscal year on June 30.
Mail your gift to the
Office of Institutional Advancement
30 N. Brainard Street, Naperville, IL 60540
or use the postage-paid envelope provided.
Make a gift today!
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
North Central College
30 North Brainard Street
Naperville, IL 60540
Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue in Chicago provided a magnificent concert venue for North Central musicians on April 10. A special concert
featuring some 150 vocalists from the Concert Choir, Women’s Chorale, Chamber Singers and Cardinal Chorus performed at the cathedral for the first time.
Located in the Magnificent Mile neighborhood, Fourth Presbyterian hosts an active performance calendar. The ensembles were directed by conductors Ramona
Wis, Mimi Rolland Professor in the Fine Arts and professor and chair of music, and Jacqueline Schutt, visiting instructor of music. Accompaniment was
provided by Barbara Shiffler ’71 Vanderwall, J. M. Willaert ’13 and Jon Warfel.