Kuby is one of five faculty Fellows-in-residence from around the world who will work on projects related to the Davis Center’s current theme, “In the Aftermath of Catastrophe.”
“The history department is extremely pleased that Professor Kuby has won this prestigious fellowship,” said Jim Schmidt, chair of the Department of History. “The focus on the ‘Aftermath of Catastrophe’ aligns perfectly with her research and teaching interests.”
The Davis Center is an institute for historical research and scholarly exchange, affiliated with Princeton University’s Department of History. The center hosts a weekly seminar series featuring talks by the Fellows as well as other visiting scholars.
“I had the opportunity to give a paper at the Davis Center last fall, so I have seen firsthand what a fabulous intellectual community it is,” Kuby said. “The people there were so welcoming and engaging, and I am completely delighted that I have been invited to join them for a semester.”
Kuby’s expertise is in modern France, and her research centers on the effects of World War II’s terrible violence on the intellectual history of postwar France and Western Europe. While at Princeton, she plans to complete her first book project, tentatively titled “The Expert Witnesses: State Violence, Survivors, and the Anti-Concentration Camp Movement in Postwar Europe.”
“This summer I will be taking advantage of a generous NIU Research and Artistry Completion Fellowship, which will help me travel to archives in France and a couple of other European countries to finish the research for the book,” Kuby said. “Then, at the Davis Center, I’ll have access to one of the world’s best libraries and be able to focus full-time on my writing, so that is pretty exciting for me.”
Along with finishing the book, Kuby plans to become a student of everything the Davis Center has to offer.
“There are a lot of opportunities for exchange and discussion with the other Fellows, who are a really interesting group of people,” Kuby said. “I am hoping to learn more ways of thinking about aftermaths in history and bring that into my teaching at NIU when I return.”
Date posted: May 21, 2015 | Author: Jane Donahue | Comments Off on NIU history professor selected for Princeton University Fellowship
Four students were selected as interns for Illinois representatives in their D.C. congressional offices, and will live, learn and work in the nation’s capital.
Kiranjit Gill, a senior majoring in political science, will intern for U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (8th District); Rachel Jacob, a sophomore majoring in political science, will intern for U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly(2nd District); Joe Palmer, a senior majoring in political science, will intern for U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (14th District); and Brandon Phillips, a senior majoring in history, will intern for U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (16th District).
“There is no better way to learn how the U.S. Congress works and to gain first-hand knowledge of current policy and political debates then to spend time on the hill interning for a member of Congress,” said April Clark, professor in the Department of Political Science.
Since 2009, Northern Illinois University has been providing students with a summer congressional internship program in Washington, D.C. This highly competitive program allows students to live, learn, and work in the heart of the nation’s capital from late May through early August.
Selected students intern for a member of the Illinois congressional delegation and receive a $6,000 scholarship to cover the cost of housing and some living expenses.
“This program helps students defray the costs of an expensive internship,” said Matthew Streb, chair of the Department of Political Science. “It gives them the experience that they need if they want to work in Washington permanently.”
April Clark
Streb said it’s very difficult to work on the Hill after graduation without having completed an internship. In turn, it’s very difficult for most students to go to D.C. – one of the costliest cities in the country – and take an unpaid internship.
Clark shared the sentiment.
“This program provides an opportunity that most college students never experience,” Clark said. “In fact, the success of the program is demonstrated in the seven previous congressional internship alumni who are now working in D.C.”
Streb said the Huskies working in D.C. are a testament to the program’s success, and it’s something that makes him proud.
“We talk a lot about student career success and making the connections and networking opportunities needed,” Streb said. “This program really does that.”
In addition, Miki Grace, a junior majoring in political science, will intern for Congresswoman Kelly as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation internship program. The foundation provides housing as well as a $3,000 stipend for qualified students.
by Jane Donahue
Date posted: May 20, 2015 | Author: Jane Donahue | Comments Off on Huskies on the Hill
Three NIU students will take on Washington D. C.this summer as part of an innovative internship program sponsored by The Washington Center, the largest academic internship program in the country.
Since 1975, more than 50,000 students have benefited from the unique living, working and learning program in the nation’s capital. NIU students Daejzonna Muschamp, Patrick Gallagher and Steffen Canino join the elite group of interns, and will receive a $6,140 scholarship to be used for their summer expenses.
“A major goal of the internship experience is to combine classroom learning with real-world experience,” said April Clark, professor in theDepartment of Political Science. “NIU students learn valuable and transferable skills in their coursework, and an internship provides the chance to demonstrate the importance of these skills in one’s chose profession.”
Typically, The Washington Center program provides an opportunity for two NIU students to receive financial support. However, as a result of Clark’s efforts as NIU’s liaison for The Washington Center, the university was able to secure additional scholarships for the summer session.
Canino, a senior majoring in corporate communications, said he is humbled and grateful for the opportunity.
“I am happy to see my dedication pay off, but it’s only the beginning,” Canino said. “I hope to gain greater professional development and experiences while learning more about the city of D.C.”
He hopes the internship experience, which begins May 27 and runs through Aug. 7, grants NIU students with a competitive advantage while searching for jobs or graduate school.
During that time, Clark said, students have the opportunity to build on what they’ve learned in their courses and make valuable connections that can aid in their future career success.
“NIU students have the opportunity to demonstrate and further develop their critical-thinking, writing, research, interpersonal and problem-solving skills,” Clark said. “Moreover, living and working in the nation’s capital provides students the advantage of making important professional connections, and a better understanding of the variety of ways that one can engage in local, national and international communities.”
Here’s where the Huskies will be contributing:
Muschamp, a senior majoring in political science, will intern at MANA, A National Latina Organization; Gallagher, a senior majoring in political science, will intern at The Institute of World Politics; and Canino, will intern at United Way Worldwide.
Date posted: May 15, 2015 | Author: Jane Donahue | Comments Off on Three NIU students selected as interns for The Washington Center
“Loyola is one of few medical schools in the country that really emphasizes a physician’s social responsibility,” said Hoffman, an expert in 20th century American history, with a specialization in medicine and social movements. “That idea is a big part of my research, so it is really exciting to be able to share that with the people who are going to care for patients and communities.”
Much of Hoffman’s research went into her 2012 book titled “Health Care for Some,” an engaging and in-depth look at America’s long history of unequal access to health care. It’s the first book to examine the history of American rationing, and how these practices developed and changed over time.
For Hoffman, the journey to Loyola’s graduation began in Granada, Spain, when she met medical student Matt Murphy at the European Conference on Migrant and Ethnic Minority Health. Murphy read the book and nominated her as the keynote speaker.
“I read the entire book in a few days,” Murphy said. “I really enjoyed her book and the historical perspective that she provides to health systems and medicine. I thought that she could provide some unique insight into our current situation graduating from medical school through a historic lens while incorporating the experiences of past physicians and health professionals.”
Hoffman is honored to address Loyola’s graduates.
“Loyola’s medical school is a pretty special place,” Hoffman said. “They not only educate physicians but they also put a lot of emphasis on the role of medical care in society. Student involvement – in community and global health projects – is part of their curriculum.”
The recipients are Chris Atherton, administrative assistant, Office of the Provost; Margaret Berg, office manager, Department of Accountancy; Pat Erickson, office administrator, Office of the University Council; and Kathy Zuidema, employer relations specialist, Career Services.
Each year, four employees from NIU’s nearly 1,650 Civil Service staff are selected by a committee of their peers. Award winners each receive a plaque and $1,500 award. They will be honored Thursday, May 14, at a banquet.
Chris Atherton rolls with the punches. When things change in the workplace and job responsibilities evolve, she not only adapts, she thrives.
“Those of us that have the pleasure to work with her know how extraordinary she is,” said Celeste Latham, associate vice president for Human Resource Services. “She is organized, focused and is one of the most amazing people who anticipates needs and plans ahead. Above all, she is a friend and a colleague that people can rely on.”
Lisa Freeman said when she took on the role of interim executive vice president and provost in October, 2013, Atherton helped her “to hit the ground running.”
“She took on additional responsibilities without being asked to ensure that the Provost Office continued to run smoothly,” said Freeman, executive vice president and provost. “She has been able to affect change, because she is a trusted colleague and collaborator within the Provost Office and across campus.”
Colleagues praise her for her dedication, professionalism and strong work ethic. Her numerous contributions are not limited to her department, but expand to the university as a whole. She works well with employees of every level at the university, from students to senior administrators.
Away from work, she is actively involved in the community, as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of DeKalb County and the DeKalb affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. She also serves on DeKalb’s planning and zoning commission.
“Since she arrived at NIU, her care and concern for students, faculty, staff and the community has been evident,” Freeman said.
Margaret Berg is always there to lend a hand – and because of her extensive knowledge of the university, the office manager in the Department of Accountancy does a lot of lending.
“Margaret is a resource to others in the college, willingly sharing her knowledge and wisdom,” said Jim Young, NIU Accountancy Department chair and Crowe Horwath Professor. “She is always willing to pursue new tasks, many self-motivated by seeing a need and working to find a solution.”
Berg joined NIU in 1987 and is conversant in human resources, accounting, budgeting and scheduling issues. Her knowledge of the university, organizational skills and commitment to excellence helps the Department of Accountancy maintain its reputation.
“Margaret goes above and beyond expectations,” said Rebecca Shortridge, professor and assistant chair in the Department of Accountancy. “She is everything an administrator could hope for; she is dependable, efficient, caring and always sees a task through to completion.”
Berg is known as a team player and respected by faculty and students.
“Her attitude is always, always, ‘How can I help you?’ ” said Chang Liu, professor and chair in the Department of Operations Management and Information Systems. “Whether she is helping me solve a problem, helping a faculty member jump administrative hurdles across campus, or dealing with a student who comes into the office looking to register for a course, she is respectful and always willing to help.”
She’s an active member of the College of Business Staff Council, where she serves as a mentor to other staff members. In addition, she is involved in giving back to the community through events such as Relay for Life and the NIU food drive.
Pat Erickson has been described as “exceptional” and the “consummate professional.”
For this office administrator, it’s all in a day’s work.
“Pat brings a level of professionalism, dedication and creativity to this position that is unprecedented,” said Alan Rosenbaum, former executive secretary of the University Council and president of the Faculty Senate. “One of the complications of her position is that there is no routine assignment; instead, there are a multitude of activities that are spread across the year, each of which must be tracked and initiated at the proper time.”
Erickson handles the complications with ease, and does so with a smile.
“Her moral compass, good sense of humor, wise perspective and cordiality have made her well respected by all who have the chance to interact with her,” said Professor William Pitney, current executive secretary of the University Council and president of the Faculty Senate. “She is a joy to work with.”
Her dedication to her work and to NIU is impressive, and so is her commitment to the community. She is an active member of her church and has been a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for more than a decade.
“Pat is fully engaged in her job,” Pitney said, “within the university and within the community.”
Kathy Zuidema
Kathy Zuidema Employer relations specialist, Career Services
Kathy Zuidema is a champion for NIU students.
The Career Services employer relations specialist consistently exhibits an “impassioned level of concern” for students, and not just for those who visit Career Services.
In March 2014, Zuidema founded the Huskies Student Food Pantryafter realizing that many NIU students who don’t have a meal plan and don’t qualify for food assistance programs go hungry. Since opening, the pantry has served more than 1,000 NIU students.
“Kathy is the type of employee that everyone wants, not just because she is dependable, timely and hard working, but because she is always in a continuous improvement mindset,” said Cindy Henderson, executive director of Career Services.
Colleagues laud her for her altruism, professionalism, enthusiasm, and consistent student-centered approach.
“Kathy is the kind of colleague you want to serve as a model for an inclusive community,” said Brandon Lagana, director of strategic planning and analysis at Career Services. “She cares deeply about the department, division and NIU; she conducts her work in ways which uplift the spirit of all of those around her; and she is open to new ideas, suggestions for improvement and embraces change.”
Date posted: May 5, 2015 | Author: Jane Donahue | Comments Off on Operating Staff announces Outstanding Service Award recipients
“I am extremely lucky to have represented both Northern Illinois University and the state of Illinois at Interstate,” said Boyle, who is from Oak Lawn. “It felt incredible to be recognized on a national level, and I am delighted to have helped NIU Forensics receive the representation it deserves at Interstate.”
The Interstate Oratory Contest, in its 141st year, is the nation’s oldest speech contest. On April 24 and April 25, Boyle and other top orators from the nation competed at Berry College in Mount Berry, Ga.
Boyle’s speech examined the problem of spyware apps which can be secretly downloaded onto a person’s phone without the victim ever knowing. Despite the fact that there is little research on these apps, Boyle argued, there is “anecdotal evidence from domestic abuse shelters that they have become an easy outlet for stalkers to abuse their partners.”
“Julia proved that when you are passionate about a topic, and you work hard to share your message, people will celebrate you for your advocacy,” said NIU Director of Forensics Lisa Roth.
Judy Santacaterina, NIU director of Individual Events, shared the sentiment.
“I was beaming as Julia presented her speech in the final round; she was ever so poised, committed to her message and spoke with passion and conviction, the true mark of a successful orator,” Santacaterina said.
Boyle is the 14th NIU orator to represent Illinois and the sixth NIU orator to make it to the final round of the Interstate competition. Roth said Boyle will go down in history as one of the most successful speakers in the nation.
Lisa Roth (left) and Judy Santacaterina (right) join Julia Boyle at Berry College.
“The coaching staff, team, and I are so proud of Julia and her accomplishments,” Roth said. “Not only is she an extremely talented individual who works hard for her success, she is also an active team member, peer mentor, and all around joy.”
Santacaterina was part of an expert panel discussion that presented at this year’s contest, which she was especially honored to attend for several reasons.
“This was even more special in some way because it capped off one of the most successful forensics seasons in NIU’s long history,” Santacaterina said. “I also was so honored to be there with Lisa Roth, my former student and now colleague. It felt like three generations of forensics women were at Interstate.”
Boyle said she is grateful to be part of NIU Forensics, and has received and “outpouring of support from alumni, faculty and students on the speech circuit.”
“NIU Forensics is incredibly successful in the competitive-arena, yet our organization promotes an understanding of real world applications of public speaking,” Boyle said. “I am privileged to be a part of an organization that has such a rich history, a network of successful alumni, and a community that cares so much about giving students an opportunity to find their voice.”
Date posted: April 30, 2015 | Author: Jane Donahue | Comments Off on NIU junior Julia Boyle earns national recognition
In the weeks following the devastation, it’s not surprising that members of the Huskie community have moved forward together to aid in the recovery effort.
“NIU staff and students have been volunteering their time to collect donations, providing food, transportation and health care resources, as well as working at the tornado impacted sites since volunteer operations opened up,” said Jennifer Groce, director of community affairs for NIU Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development.
According to AmeriCorps, who is coordinating the volunteers for the relief efforts, NIU volunteers are part of the more than 2,500 volunteers from throughout the state and across the country who have helped in the immediate recovery in Fairdale.
“These are our neighbors,” Groce said. “We are going to help; we’re all Huskies.”
Groce said that AmeriCorps reached out to NIU last week requesting a large scale volunteer cleanup effort.
Huskies responded in force.
More than 80 players and coaches from NIU’s football team used their brawn Saturday, April 18, to clear yards and move piles of debris in the parts of Fairdale that were hardest hit by the tornado. Other departments, including Marketing and Communications, Student Involvement and Leadership Development, Community Affairs, Transportation, NIU Police and Housing and Dining helped to facilitate volunteers for cleanup efforts Sunday.
Although inclement weather forecasts prompted AmeriCorps to halt the efforts set for Sunday, the work is not complete. There is an immediate need for additional volunteers through Friday, April 24, to remove debris. Groups from NIU are encouraged to register to volunteer at villageofkirkland.com
“NIU is committed to being a resource to the community of Fairdale – and Rochelle – for the long term recovery effort, and we are making ourselves available to both communities,” Groce said.
Date posted: April 23, 2015 | Author: Jane Donahue | Comments Off on Huskie community rallies in wake of tornado
Reyman, winner of the 2015 David Raymond Technology in Teaching grant, says that while many of today’s students are “digital natives” who frequently use digital technologies and the Internet for a variety of purposes, most don’t fully understand the complexities of communicating within and across the online spaces they visit daily.
“In this digital age, literacy requires more than the ability to work with the printed word,” Reyman says. “Students need experience with a wider range of digital and multimodal texts.”
By teaching digital literacy, she says, educators can help students to become more critical readers of online texts and contexts. In addition, they can help students become more successful participants in the networked environments where so much of their learning, socializing and public discourse takes place each day.
The event is free and does not require a reservation. For more information, contact jreyman@niu.edu.
Date posted: April 20, 2015 | Author: Jane Donahue | Comments Off on Teach digital literacy, make students more critical readers
NIU Board of Trustees Professor David Changnon (with his wife, Suzy) loves his Huskie football.
Climate affects almost everything we do.
And while climate and climatic events might seem unpredictable, it’s the ability to understand them that helps decision-makers make adjustments – and better decisions.
In a Board of Trustees Professor seminar scheduled Thursday, April 9, David Changnon will highlight the important role NIU students have played in his research of applied climatology, which examines the effects of climate on physical, biological and cultural environments.
Changnon will address his academic successes in research, teaching and service, and their direct link to his efforts to engage undergraduate meteorologists in this field.
The presentation takes place in the Capitol Room of the Holmes Student Center. Refreshments are served at 11:30 a.m. No registration is required, and all are welcome.
Throughout his career, Changnon has conducted numerous projects with student collaborators, examining applied climate issues that affect agri-business, energy, transportation and insurance sectors in the upper Midwest. These efforts have helped to positively alter how others in the field conduct research efforts.
Changnon is currently examining how those impacted by the varying frequency of climate extremes are changing their decision-making processes.
Art is in the air – and on the ground – thanks to ARTigras, the inaugural celebration of the arts taking place Saturday, May 2.
New, cool stuff:
ARTigras Workshop Wednesdays are scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. April 15, 22 and 29 in Room 213 of the Visual Arts Building and are open to the public ages 13 and older. Come for ARTigras project ideas and assistance!
Everyone loves a parade! An arts parade is a chance to let your imagination free or simply see the creativity others have to share. Look at colorful costuming, listen to musical talent and enjoy the flamboyant twists. A parade entry form (submission are due Friday, April 24), parade guidelines and a parade volunteer form are all available online. The ARTIgras website also offers advice on how individuals and groups can participate in the arts parade.
Sponsored by NIU and the City of DeKalb, ARTigras festivities include an arts parade followed by a variety of art receptions and musical performances by some of the area’s top talent.
“The parade is the kickoff of the whole ARTigras celebration,” said NIU First Lady Dana Stover, part of the steering committee for the first-time event. “We want NIU students and members of the community to be part of the parade, or come out and be a spectator and enjoy the creativity of other people.”
Stover said the idea for ARTigras came last April, following a student art reception she and President Baker hosted at their home. After talking with NIU art faculty members Billie Giese and Cindy Hellyer Heinz, and NIU Director of Special Events Ellen Andersen, the group brainstormed on how to take the art reception to the next level.
“We have an amazingly strong College of Performing and Visual Arts,” Stover said. “It is widely recognized on campus, but I am not sure all the people in our community realize what great talent we have or get a chance to see it.”
Following the parade, shuttle buses will be available to transport attendees between five different exhibition venues, showcasing the work of NIU’s most promising emerging artists from the School of Art and Design. Musical performances from Community School of the Arts Steelbandand the NIUkulele Ensemble will take place at Recital Hall, and the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestrawill perform at Boutell Memorial Concert Hall during a ticketed performance.
“I think any vibrant community needs to have this kind of cultural art spirit to it,” Stover said. “It brings people together and bonds the NIU and downtown community. I think students really appreciate when people come out and view their art, and they gain from people engaging them in conversations about their art.”
ARTS PARADE
Family, friends, students, schools and community groups are invited to participate in a moving work of art or to cheer as spectators.
Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra: Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, Music Building, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens 62 and older and $5 for children younger than 12.
The recipients are Pat Anderson, director of Alumni Relations; Ben Bingle, specialist/outreach coordinator of the Center for Non-Governmental Organization Leadership and Development (NGOLD); Betsy Hull, assistant to the dean in the College of Education; and Jennifer Kirker-Priest, director of the Anthropology Museum.
The four recipients will be honored during the annual SPS Awards ceremony and reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, in the Duke Ellington Ballroom of the Holmes Student Center. Each recipient will receive a plaque and $1,500 in appreciation for their outstanding contributions to NIU.
The recipients of the five SPS Staff Awards also will be recognized during the awards ceremony.
Laura Sala is the recipient of the SPS Award for Advocacy, which honors an employee who has demonstrated advocacy for policies and practices that create a positive living-and-learning environment for students, faculty and/or staff.
Deborah Pierce is the recipient of the SPS Award for Cultural Competency, which honors an employee who has demonstrated leadership in helping to create a more culturally competent and diverse community at NIU.
Marilyn Bellert is the recipient of the SPS Award for Excellence in Supervision, which honors an employee who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and ethical practices when supervising professional and student staff.
Roger Maas is the recipient of the SPS Award for Institutional Advancement, which honors as employee who has demonstrated leadership in activities, programs and/or research that has helped to advance his or her department and the university.
The NIU Annuitants Association is the recipient of the SPS Award for Partnership and Collaboration, which honors an employee or group that has demonstrated a willingness to partner, cooperate and collaborate for the betterment of the NIU community.
The reception and awards ceremony are open to all.
Pat Anderson
Patricia Anderson Director, Office of Alumni Relations
On any given day, the director of NIU Alumni Relations is in communication with a considerable number of former NIU students and friends of the university.
Anderson joined NIU in 1991 as a library technical assistant, and began with the Office of Alumni Relations in 1998. The director since 2003, it’s a role she understands as a Huskie who earned a bachelor’s degree in 2000 and a master’s degree in 2004.
Her dedication to her alma mater, said NIU Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus William C. Johnson, specifically addresses a key element of the NIU mission: building community.
“She has applied her education at NIU where her talents emerged and her skills developed in outstanding service to this university and its outreach mission,” Johnson said. “She has become a champion for our university, adding to the university’s luster in significant ways, by building strong bonds between our current population and those who in the past were part of the NIU community.”
She is also active in the community, volunteering as both a certified senior health insurance program counselor for the state of Illinois and an auxiliary member of Kish Health System’s Kishwaukee Community Hospital, where she assists in fundraising for patient care services and health care scholarships.
Ben Bingle
Ben Bingle Outreach coordinator/instructor Center for Non-Governmental Organization Leadership and Development
“This is a testament to the ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ characteristic that makes him deserving of this recognition,” Castle said. “Ben’s work has consistently been representative of the best that NIU has to offer.”
Bingle joined NIU in 2008 as a research associate in the Public Opinion Laboratory, and took on the specialist/outreach coordinator position in 2011. He currently excels in this role, while also working on his dissertation in the final stage of earning a Ph.D. in political science.
Colleagues praise his “student-centered” focus and his ability to create “a nurturing environment for student career success to thrive.” He promotes excellence and engagement in all areas, and leads by example.
“Ben is the epitome of ethically inspired leadership and he shows students, through his own actions, what it means to be engaged in a community – be it on or off campus,” Castle said.
Monmouth College’s Young Alumni of the Year is a published author, including a series of nine nonprofit case studies and peer reviewed journal articles, and has presented several studies at professional conferences.
“Ben has demonstrated his willingness to go above and beyond to serve students, be a positive ambassador of NIU programs out in the community and to be the change agent,” said Julia Spears, associate vice provost for engaged learning.
Betsy Hull
Betsy Hull Assistant to the dean, College of Education
Betsy Hull wears many hats as the assistant to the dean in the College of Education.
And, by all accounts, she wears them well.
“Her work and accomplishments on campus clearly embody the three pillars – ethically inspired leadership, thriving communities and NIU financial and program viability – that are our president’s vision to make NIU an incredible place,” said Jeffrey Hecht, associate dean of the College of Education.
Hull earned her bachelor’s degree in accountancy from NIU in 1994 and is a certified public accountant. She joined NIU in 2003 as an assistant controller, and assumed her current position in 2011.
Colleagues laud her for her expansive knowledge of the university’s financial and accounting operations, along with her professionalism and willing attitude.
“She is often the go-to person for almost everyone in the College of Education,” said Cathy Kubasiak, office administrator in the college. “If she doesn’t know the answer to your question, she will work quickly to find the correct answer. She is always willing to step in and help when and wherever she is needed.”
It’s the additional roles she embraces, along with her own responsibilities, that others say demonstrate her “endless contributions to the university.”
Hull’s involvement extends beyond the NIU campus, where she takes on roles in the community and school district. She is currently the president of the Sycamore Education Foundation and served as a chairperson for the Sycamore United Methodist Church Endowment and Investment committee.
Jennifer Kirker Priest
Jennifer Kirker Priest Director, Anthropology Museum
“The Anthropology Museum reflects humanity’s past in order to envision our future,” said Kendall Thu, chairperson of the Department of Anthropology. “Jennifer’s work has brought this notion alive for NIU and the larger community in ways we never imagined when she first set foot on campus.”
Kirker-Priest joined NIU in 2012 as the Anthropology Museum director, and had the challenging task of moving the museum from its former location. Colleagues praise her for her “tireless efforts” on museum exhibit development and display and a constant focus on community and student engagement.
She has led summer archaeology camps for middle school students, developed a Student Advisory Board for the museum and provided internship opportunities for students at NIU and other museums. In a recent museum exhibit, “Curated by DeKalb: 50 years of the Anthropology Museum at NIU,” visitors have the opportunity to reflect on the past while celebrating the future as a student-centered museum.
Additionally, the director has raised the profile of the Anthropology Museum at NIU through conference presentations and professional development. In the last year alone, she chaired a session at the American Anthropological Association conference, was an organizer for the Midwest Mesoamerican Conference and presented at the Future of Ethnographic Museums Conference at Oxford University.
“Her energy is matched by her vision,” said Christopher McCord, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “She knows where she is taking the museum, and her efforts are thoughtfully focused on getting it there.”
Date posted: March 23, 2015 | Author: Jane Donahue | Comments Off on SPS recognizes 2015 recipients of Presidential Awards of Excellence
“The coaching staff is delighted,” said Judy Santacaterina, director of individual events for NIU Forensics. “Our forensics founders, M. Jack Parker and Dorothy Bishop, were experts in debate and oratory. So carrying on that tradition is very special.”
NIU Forensics is a student organization devoted to a wide range of competitive and non-competitive speech activities. Formed in 1928, the group has a rich history of providing students with hands-on training in argumentation, advocacy, public speaking and performance.
NIU hosted this year’s state tournament, which brought hundreds of students representing 20 schools to DeKalb earlier this month.
Among the highlights:
The team of Ben Donovan and Steven Cyhaniuk was named state champion in parliamentary debate.
Julia Boyle was named the state champion in oratory, and will represent Illinois in the oldest speech contest in the nation, the Interstate Oratory Contest.
Jimmy Clark placed third and Steven Cyhaniuk placed fifth as individual speakers in parliamentary debate.
Sam Misigaro placed third in dramatic interpretation.
The NIU team placed second nationally at Novice Nationals. Team members include (left to right) Jess Johnson, Ryan Cunningham, Jose Crespo, Nick Jacobs and Lauren Hoppenrath.
The 2015 Novice Nationals, an introductory competitive event open to students in their first year of intercollegiate forensics competition, took place at Butler University from March 13 to 15.
Among the highlights:
The NIU novice team took second place in the nation.
The debate team of Jess Johnson and Dennis Muxlow was named National Novice Champion in parliamentary debate.
Lauren Hoppenrath took third place in the nation in prose speaking and was a semifinalist in impromptu sales.
Jess Johnson and Dennis Muxlow
Director of Forensics Lisa Roth said it was a successful season because each team member was highly motivated to create their events and develop their argumentation skills.
“I am extremely proud of the team and all of the hard work they put forth to accomplish their goals,” Roth said.
“These students come from colleges across the university and find common ground and camaraderie by working together as a team. These awards speak to the high caliber of students on the team, and the impact that speech and debate can have on individual students.”
by Jane Donahue
Date posted: March 19, 2015 | Author: Jane Donahue | Comments Off on NIU Forensics shines in state, national competitions
