North Central College 2022 President's Report

President’s Report 2022

Presidency of Troy D. Hammond: Leading North Central College Toward a Brilliant Future

The newly renovated Oesterle Library & Learning Commons welcomed students back to campus this fall. p. 4

TABLE

NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Contributors

Valla Coffman ’02 Aguilar

Connor Bangs ’19 / M ’22

Jeremy Borling ’02

Kim MacGregor Graphic Design

Jim Godo ’93

Hannah Brauer

Kily Egan ’23

Nancy Jensen

Nick Osterloo ’19 / M ’21

Laura Pohl

Mary Reynolds

Clark Teuscher

It is my delight and privilege to serve as your Interim President during this year of leadership transition. I have been an admiring colleague of North Central College for many years, and so I step into the role with confidence and affection, looking to help the Cardinal community prepare to welcome its next President.

Transitions are important, because they encourage reflection and appreciation. This President’s Report accomplishes a bit of both, with a focus on the last decade and the legacy of President Troy D. Hammond. Dr. Hammond was an innovator and a builder, whose imprint on North Central College is significant and lasting.

Of course, alongside every successful president are legions of people who actually do the work. Therefore, this report also recognizes the exhaustive efforts of faculty, staff and administrators to revamp the academic calendar, implement new programs, build buildings, balance the budget, and encourage the philanthropy needed to support growth. I am in awe of their accomplishments which are ongoing!

I am also in awe of the Cardinal spirit that permeates this campus amplified by athletics. I joke with colleagues that North Central has the most and the best branded apparel that I have ever seen, a variety of which was proudly on display during a very well attended Homecoming Weekend. There is no better measure of a healthy college than the support of loyal alumni. Thank you.

A transition in leadership is healthy, too, if the academic community is ready and open to a new chapter. That is my job to work with students, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees to prepare North Central to welcome a new President. In the meantime, I encourage you to have confidence in the future of the College. It is a great institution, stronger for the contributions of President Hammond.

Go Cardinals!

Donna M. Carroll Interim President

LOOKING FOR THE HONOR ROLL? For the first time ever, the Honor Roll of Donors is a separate publication that is offered online. To view this publication, please scan the QR code on the flap above, or visit northcentralcollege.edu/magazine

WHY THE CHANGE? We remain committed to sustainable, digital engagement with our donors while keeping our tradition of delivering high quality content. This change allows us to engage with you, our audience, while celebrating those who support the College financially on an annual basis by bringing you their stories. We will glady send a hard copy of the Honor Roll of Donors to anyone who would like to receive one. Please reach out to us at advancement@noctrl.edu or 1-800-611-1861 and we will mail you a hard copy.

THANK YOU for being a loyal reader of the North Central College Magazine.

Alumni & Friends:

It is my delight and privilege to serve as your interim president during this year of leadership transition.”

- DONNA M. CARROLL, INTERIM PRESIDENT

MESSAGE FROM THE INTERIM

PRESIDENT

It’s humbling to think that in the 160-year history of North Central College, there have been just 10 permanent Presidents. Over those many years, our past Presidents have provided a steady hand through times of hardship and visionary leadership that has enabled the College to grow and evolve at the forefront of higher education.

Earlier this year, Dr. Troy Hammond announced his retirement as President. During his decade of service to the College, President Hammond left a lasting impact that will continue to benefit the Cardinal community for generations to come. He initiated the largest capital fundraising campaign in the College’s history, which brought numerous changes and innovations to campus, including the Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center and the Dr. Myron Wentz Center for Health Sciences and Engineering. These state-of-the-art facilities transformed North Central into a destination for STEM education—coupled with our liberal arts heritage—opening the door to a world of new opportunities.

Coinciding with our October board meeting, the campus community had an opportunity to recognize President Hammond for his remarkable tenure at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Oesterle Library and Learning Commons— yet another visionary project that President Hammond helped spearhead. I am in awe of all President Hammond accomplished during his time at North Central, and I, along with the entire Board of Trustees, wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.

From left: Abiódún “G-P” Gòkè-Pariolá, provost and vice president for academic affairs; Michelle Boule Smith, director of library services; Elena Buscher’24, vice president of academic life, SGA; Donna Carroll, interim president; James McDermet M ’92, board chair; Troy Hammond, former president; Natalie Vivacqua ’10 / M ’12, senior director of operations; and Michael Hudson, vice president for operations cut the ribbon during the dedication of the newly renovated Oesterle Library and Learning Commons on October 6, 2022.

At the same time that we reflect on the accomplishments of our 10th President, we are actively searching for the College’s 11th permanent President. I’d like to express my gratitude to all students, faculty and staff for their continued dedication to the College during this year of transition.

The College is in good hands thanks to Interim President Donna Carroll’s wealth of experience and expertise. Dr. Carroll will continue to guide the College throughout our leadership transition. I would also like to thank the members of the Presidential Search Committee, including Committee Chair Dr. Kathy Birkett, for their contributions to the search process.

As a member of the Cardinal community, you have an important role to play, too. I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities throughout the months ahead to engage in the presidential search process and to share your thoughts and perspectives with the committee.

It's an exciting time to be a member of the Cardinal community as we identify the individual who will help lead the next great chapter in North Central College’s history.

James McDermet M ’92 Chair, Board of Trustees

Dear Cardinal Community,

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

BOARD

OF

TRUSTEES

Current as of October 2022

James A. McDermet M ’92

Chair

Senior Vice President (Retired) Global and Americas Operations Starbucks Corporation Mercer Island, Washington

Andrea M. Beck ’97

Vice Chair, Business Affairs Independent Financial Consultant New York, New York

Esther T. Benjamin ’90 Vice Chair, Enrollment Managment and Marketing CEO & Executive Director; World Education Services New York, New York

Erin L. Bishop ’93

Vice Chair, Student Affairs and Athletics Senior Corporate Counsel Caterpillar, Inc. Nashville, Tennessee

Dr. Maureen Ryan ’83 Vice Chair, Academic Affairs Senior Director Seattle Genetics, Inc. Bothell, Washington

Donald C. Sharp

Vice Chair, Institutional Advancement President & CEO Coolfire Solutions St. Louis, Missouri

Kevin M. Gensler

Secretary of the Board; Chair of the Liaison Committee President

Dommermuth, Cobine, West, Gensler, Philipchuck, Corrigan & Bernhard, Ltd. Naperville, Illinois

Joseph Mallon ’80

Chair, Audit Committee Partner (Retired) Deloitte & Touche, LLP Chicago, Illinois

Dr. Kathryn Birkett Chair, Presidential Search Committee Superintendent of Schools (Retired)

Indian Prairie School District 204 Geneva, Illinois

Matthew S. Brill ’97 Derivatives Trader Tourmaline Partners Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Dr. Donna M. Carroll Interim President North Central College Naperville, Illinois

Jon DeSouza President & CEO HARTING Americas, Harting, Inc. Naperville, Illinois

Nancy Hanson ’79 Teacher (Retired)

Naperville Community Unit School District 203 Chicago, Illinois

Kris Hartner Owner Naperville Running Company Naperville, Illinois

Dr. InSun Ho ’81 Division Lead for RSM and Product Stewardship Abbott Labs Abbott Park, Illinois

Steven H. Hoeft ’73 Attorney McDermott, Will & Emery Chicago, Illinois

Dr. Holly Humphrey ’79 President

The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation New York, New York

Peter P. Jones ’76 CEO

Mind Safety Management, LLC St. Louis, Missouri

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung Bishop Wisconsin Conference The United Methodist Church Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

John Kaltenmark Independent Consultant & Board Member (Retired) St. Charles, Illinois

David W. Kelsch President & CEO Advanced Data Technologies, Inc. Naperville, Illinois

Annette Kenney EVP/Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer Edward-Elmhurst Health Naperville, Illinois

Dr. Sanjeeb Khatua President & CEO, Unity Point Clinic West Des Moines, Iowa

J. Raymond Kinney III (H) ’10 Principal Blooming Color and Maclyn Group Naperville, Illinois

Connor McGury ’18 Senior CS Strategy & Innovation Consultant, Publicis Sapient, Chicago, Illinois North Central College Alumni Board President

Tom Miers Market President Naperville Bank and Trust, A Wintrust Community Bank Naperville, Illinois

Tracie Morris ’02 Chief People Officer Corewell Health Grand Rapids, Michigan

Michael R. Naset Senior Partner (Retired) Accenture LLP Naperville, Illinois

Jeffrey J. Oesterle ’76 Owner Plaza Properties Schererville, Indiana

Steven Rubin Partner Kitchens to Go Naperville, Illinois

Rowena Felix Salas General Manager & CoOwner Hotel Baker St. Charles, Illinois

Stephen T. Sellers ’76 CEO

Applied Noetics Batavia, Illinois

Dr. Ali Setork President DynaCom Management, Inc. Naperville, Illinois

Dr. Jeffrey K. Swallow ’94 Chairman and CEO (Retired) Magnetrol International, Inc. Aurora, Illinois

Scott Wehrli ’91 Secretary/Treasurer and Partner Dukane Precast, Inc. Naperville, Illinois

Lee J. Woolley ’85 Senior Executive Metallicus San Francisco, California

Maria E. Wynne ’77 CEO Leadership Greater Chicago Chicago, Illinois

Life Trustees: Dr. John D. Bramsen ’60 Donald J. Hackl Holly I. Myers ’69 Dr. Richard G. Norenberg ’55 Richard F. Wehrli ’56 Dr. Herman B. White Jr. Dr. Harold R. Wilde (H) ’15 Robert A. Wislow ’67 Dr. Beth Thomas ’63 Zimmermann

Honorary Trustees: James E. Bramsen ’59 George A. Darrell Leota Buss ’51 Ester Dr. John M. Giannini ’84 John L. Novak ’64 William N. Plamondon Rick Spencer (H) ’22 Dr. Myron W. Wentz ’63, (H) ’11

Highlights 20212022

Operations spearheaded a significant and welcome renovation to Oesterle Library, including the new Learning Commons. Several offices on campus have been relocated to the Learning Commons, including Student Success Services, the Writing Center, the Speaking Center, the Center for Career and Professional Development, and the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence.

“We want the renovated space to be a place on campus where new ideas are formed, people get the help they need, and where our (community) finds a place to relax, study, learn and create,” said Michelle Boule Smith, directory of library services.

New features to the building include an experiential classroom space, elevator landing and mezzanine on the upper level, 25 new window openings, an outdoor patio, and a paved extension to the campus walkway at the south entrance. The Library supports sustainability efforts on campus with features like energyefficient lighting, a white membrane roof, room-by-room thermostats, and the expansion of the pedestrian walkway, which will greatly improve storm water management.

The Library and Learning Commons were ready for student use by the beginning of the fall semester, and were ceremonially opened at a ribbon-cutting event on October 6.

MICHELLE BOULE SMITH, DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY SERVICES

“We want the renovated space to be a place on campus where new ideas are formed, people get the help they need, and where our (community) finds a place to relax, study, learn and create.”

Renovated Oesterle Library and new Learning Commons usher in new age of student services

Student Success Coaches

Writing Center

Speaking Center

College opens Wentz Center for Health Sciences & Engineering

In October 2021, North Central College officially dedicated and opened the new Dr. Myron Wentz Center for Health Sciences and Engineering, located at 160 E. Chicago Ave, just east of Downtown Naperville.

Dr. Wentz ’63 (H) ’11 contributed $10 million in support of the inspired instruction that will take place in the building for generations to come. The building’s thoughtful design and inviting finishes—along with state-of-the-art technologies—make it an exciting addition to campus. The address of 160 was selected to commemorate the 160th year since the College’s founding.

Building features include the Skills Lab with three-dimensional Anatomage tables that serve as virtual cadavers and allow students to perform traditional dissections using the virtual images of four patients; simulation rooms, including a hospital room, labor and delivery room, trauma room and a patient exam room, with one-way mirrors for observation and adjustable high- and low-fidelity mannequins that serve as patients; and the Manufacturing Processes Lab for the College’s engineering programs. In the processes lab, students have access to high-precision lasers that can cut metal and non-metals, a 3D printer with a four-by-eight-foot build surface, two computerized numerical control (CNC) milling machines, a CNC lathe, and a three-ton bridge crane. Health science students in the building also use handheld Clarius ultrasound devices that connect via Bluetooth to personal cell phones and tablets and increase timely access to critical care.

Cardinal

First wins national recognition

as Example of Excelencia

Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, selected Cardinal First as a winner of its 2021 Examples of Excelencia award.

Excelencia announced four evidencebased programs, one in each of four categories—associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organizations—as the 2021 Examples of Excelencia at its annual award ceremony. Each of the winning programs was presented with a $5,000 award.

Excelencia received 145 program submissions from 23 states and Puerto Rico. North Central and the other standout programs are models of culturally responsive, asset-based efforts with evidence of effectiveness in recruiting, retaining, graduating, and preparing Latino students for success in the workforce that others can learn from to more effectively serve their students.

Cardinal football returns to Stagg Bowl

The North Central Cardinals football team finished the 2021 season as national runners-up, going to the national championship game for their second consecutive season after the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19. Following an undefeated regular season and their 15th College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin championship, the Cardinals powered through the playoffs, defeating the University of WisconsinLa Crosse and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at home before going on the road to beat the University of Mount Union. After a defeat in the Stagg Bowl at the hands of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, North Central ended the year with a 13-1 mark. Along the way, the Cardinals established new team single-season records for rushing yards (4,118), rushing touchdowns (66) and pass breakups (76). Wide receiver Andrew Kamienski ’22 (above) was also named a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, the highest individual award in NCAA Division III football.

Operations

New LED sports lighting was installed at Shanower Family Field (softball), Zimmerman Stadium (baseball), and Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium (football, track and field, soccer, lacrosse).

Extensive renovations were completed in Rall Residence Hall , including the first major bathroom renovation since the dormitory was built 56 years ago—new flooring, lighting, toilet partitions, fixtures, countertops, mirrors, exhaust fans, individual shut-off valves, and minor layout modifications.

Individual dorm rooms received new luxury vinyl tile, and new carpeting was installed in each hallway and common area; lounges were expanded on each floor, allowing for larger student community space; all-new lounge furniture was added; lighting fixture upgrades (LED) and fresh painting was done throughout the building.

The Operations team upgraded furniture in Kaufman Dining Hall, donated two tons of existing furniture and repurposed 90 percent of the rest across campus.

Operations replaced the 25-year-old roof of Old Main.

Student Affairs & Athletics

For the first time in program history, the North Central dance team placed in two different categories at the Dance Team Union College Classic in Orlando, including a national championship for Division III poms and a 5th-place trophy in jazz. The cheer team placed 3rd for the Intermediate Division III Co-Ed Division at the NCAA College Nationals in Daytona, Fla.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs organized a variety of awareness and cultural heritage commemorations including Undocumented Student Awareness Week, Disability Awareness Week, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Week, and a LGBTQIA+ pride commemoration.

Dyson Wellness Center counseling staff participated in 16 outreach/health education events during the spring 2022 semester, including a new walkin consultation program called “Let’s Talk,” making mental health support more accessible.

The College hosted its first in-person Student Leadership Awards Celebration since spring 2019. More than 110 students came together to celebrate and recognize the hard work that student leaders put into creating a sense of belonging and school spirit on campus.

During the first eight weeks of the spring 2022 semester, medical staff provided 244 in-person appointments, a significant increase when compared to 10 appointments in the same time frame in spring 2021, and 290 clinical appointments

Resident assistants and area hall directors provided more than 130 social and educational programs within the residence halls during spring 2022 semester. In a survey of 780 studentresidents, 92 percent indicated residence hall programs meet their needs and interests.

were conducted by the College’s licensed counselors, serving 96 unique clients.

North Central Dance Team

Enrollment &Management Marketing

Undergraduate Enrollment Trends:

Strong international interest with an all-time high of 723 applications

• Growth in DuPage County, Illinois market share and female students

Continued growth in firstgeneration students and marginalized populations, most notably within the Hispanic population

TOTAL

COLLEGE ENROLLMENT 2,695

Continued

Led by Director Kevin Towns, the Office of Financial Aid was recognized as Team of the Year at the College’s annual faculty and staff awards in August. The award acknowledges their transformation to a student service model founded on reaching an unprecedented level of financial literacy for both new and continuing students.

Prospective student visits to campus are on the rebound after 2.5 years of COVID disruption, up to a total of 3,158 visitors this year.

The newly-formed enrollment systems and enrollment marketing teams are taking the College’s investment in Recruit a new customer relationship management system —to new heights and further integrating domestic and international recruitment across all mediums that drive enrollment.

The marketing team created a robust set of paid and organic digital marketing, web, and print assets that leverage the College brand, including key assets in Spanish. The general public awareness of North Central has almost quadrupled in five years since the brand launch in 2019.

growth in the graduate market has been driven largely by the health sciences.

Advancement

Six outstanding current and incoming students were selected to receive the first Navistar Emerging Leaders in Engineering Scholarships , together totaling $400,000.

Institutional Communications

The “Cardinal Career Launch” social media campaign resulted in 19,477 impressions and 789 engagements across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

North Central received $9,266,607 in outright gifts and pledges , including $1,427,726 from generous estate gifts. The Brilliant Future Campaign has reached 88 percent of the $150 million goal, with $20.2 million in will commitments and planned gifts.

The Sports Information department originated 53 live streaming broadcasts of home athletic events on the Cardinals All-Access Platform in the first 108 days of 2022, resulting in a total of 38,813 viewers.

From January to April 2022, the Office of Communications secured a total of 87 broadcast media placements , resulting in an estimated 143.2 million media impressions, an ad value of $1.6 million, and more than seven hours of broadcast coverage, a 131 percent increase in broadcast exposure over the previous year.

North Central College achieved a 51st consecutive balanced operating budget during the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

Total revenues increased by $1.76 million due to increased auxiliary revenue, community development and fine arts revenue, and endowment spending.

Community development and fine arts revenue increased as the campus saw more event rentals and welcomed back presented events on campus.

Graduate net tuition increased by almost $1 million compared to the prior year. The increase in net graduate tuition results from the first cohort of Masters in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) students starting in January 2022.

Private gifts are trending higher compared to the prior year by 10 percent.

Auxiliary revenue is up 18 percent year-overyear thanks to an increase in the number of students living in on-campus housing.

Academic

Affairs

The inaugural Cardinal First Alumni Academy was held on March 4 and featured 50 first-generation alumni serving as presenters, panelists and table hosts for 115 first-gen students. This was the final of five initiatives funded by the $100,000 Arthur Vining Davis Foundations Grant.

The Leadership, Ethics and Values Program hosted its 6th annual Changemaker Challenge social venture pitch competition on April 8. Congratulations to the winning students:

JJ Martinez ’23 Psychology/Ethical Leadership (1st place - $5,000)

• Stephanie Hogan ’23 Social Entrepreneurship/ Psychology (2nd place - $4,000)

Liv Gallo ’24 Theatre/Gender and Sexuality Studies (3rd place - $1,000)

Mario Jayes ’23 Business Management/ Marketing (3rd place - $1,000)

• Juliet Mathey ’22 Environmental Studies/ Chinese (3rd place - $1,000)

The College received a $352,000 STARTALK award from the National Security Agency to fund a residential Chinese language camp during summer 2023. This is the eighth STARTALK grant that Dr. Jinai Sun, associate professor of Chinese, has secured in the past 10 years.

The new Richter Fellows Program will allow students to propose their own research project to carry out over the summer months using the facilities at North Central; students can earn a stipend along with research funding.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As of June 30

2022 2021

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total Total

$29,438,276 $39,981,765

Cash held in trust 4,195,271 5,058,129

Student accounts receivable, net of allowance 1,887,357 2,846,755

Prepaid expense, other receivables and other assets 3,041,122 1,747,688

Pledges receivable, net of allowance 1,779,338 2,806,545

Investments 117,699,348 143,763,215

Student loans receivable, net of allowance 5,300,420 5,584,370

Beneficial interest in charitable remainder trust 170,400 192,057

Perpetual trust held by a third party 1,100,030 1,394,394

Land, buildings and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 196,289,102 194,804,988

Total assets $360,900,664 $398,179,906

Liabilities and net assets

Liabilities

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and refundable deposits $6,480,654 $8,580,644

Deferred revenue 2,053,870 2,425,366

Split-interest agreements 1,073,894 1,384,489

Refundable loan funds (Perkins loan) 402,055 580,009

Interest rate swap agreement liability 675,568 6,334,424

Other long-term liabilities 452,934 1,017,356

Bonds payable 83,519,905 90,524,214

Total liabilities 94,658,880 110,846,502

Net assets

Without donor restrictions 180,244,265 187,558,563

With donor restrictions 85,997,519 99,774,841

Total net assets 266,241,784 287,333,404

Total liabilities and net assets

$360,900,664 $398,179,906

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

For the fiscal year ended June 30

2022 2021

Without Donor Restrictions With Donor Restrictions Total Total

Revenues

Net tuition and fees $46,316,447 $46,316,447 $47,593,088

Contributions 5,955,584 2,907,113 8,862,697 9,813,427 Grants 4,885,288 1,806,651 6,691,939 4,742,178

Endowment returns designated for spending 2,434,037 3,443,466 5,877,503 4,642,120

Other support

Auxiliary enterprises 15,681,268 15,681,268 13,352,062 Rental 549,611 549,611 98,286 Other sources 1,734,974 123,092 1,858,066 1,574,952

Net assets released from restrictions and changes in donor restrictions 6,283,340 (6,283,340) Total revenues and other support 83,840,549 1,996,982 85,837,531 81,816,113

Expenses

Instruction 30,579,354 30,579,354 28,107,079

Academic support 6,595,956 6,595,956 5,953,122 Intercollegiate athletics 6,423,266 6,423,266 4,918,788

Student services 11,919,124 11,919,124 8,809,300 Institutional support 14,139,309 14,139,309 14,610,702

Auxiliary enterprises 16,534,889 16,534,889 13,641,321

Total expenses 86,209,898 86,209,898 76,040,312

Change in net assets before other changes (2,369,349) 1,996,982 (372,367) 5,775,801

Other changes in net assets

Investment return 5,112,207 6,478,483 11,590,690, 4,131,385

Unrealized investment loss (13,526,705) (17,753,285) (31,279,990) 30,040,427

Endowment returns designated for spending (2,434,037) (3,443,466) (5,877,503) (4,642,120)

Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreement 5,658,856 5,658,856 3,618,444

Change in value of split-interest agreements (791,036) (791,036) 1,342,913

Gain (loss) on asset disposal 270,993 (265,000) 5,993 (1,399,573)

Other expenses (26,263) (26,263) (37,280)

Change in net assets (7,314,298) (13,777,322) (21,091,620) 38,829,997

Net assets at beginning of year 187,558,563 99,774,841 287,333,404 248,503,407

Net assets at end of year $180,244,265 $85,997,519 $266,241,784 $287,333,404

PRESIDENCY OF TROY D. HAMMOND

Leading North Central College toward a Brilliant Future

ABIÓDÚN “G-P” GÒKÈ-PARIOLÁ

provost and vice president for academic affairs (2015)

MATTHEW BURDEN vice president for information and technology, chief information officer (2016) MICHAEL HUDSON vice president for operations (2016)

MARYELLEN SKERIK vice president for finance (2016)

JAMES GODO ’93 vice president for communication and strategic initiatives; special assistant to the president (2021)

JESSICA BROWN vice president for student affairs and athletics (2021)

REBECCA GORDON assistant vice president for equity, diversity, and inclusion; Title IX/504 coordinator; chief diversity officer (2021)

CHRISTINE BELL interim vice president for enrollment management and marketing (2021)

ADRIAN ALDRICH ’02 vice president for institutional advancement (2022)

COLLEGE LEADERSHIP TEAM BUILT BY PRESIDENT HAMMOND AS OF MAY 2022 (year appointed to Cabinet)

JAMES MCDERMET M ’92, BOARD CHAIR

When Troy Hammond took the reins as North Central’s 10th President on January 1, 2013, he quickly guided the College toward a future that he envisioned as brilliant. “When the College celebrated its sesquicentennial, it branded its first 150 years as ‘A Promising Start.’ I feel compelled to ask, ‘A promising start to what?’ My answer: ‘A promising start to a brilliant future.’”

Those words set the tone for many extraordinary accomplishments in the 10 years that followed, which are detailed on the following pages. Most notable were the transformation and modernization of the campus; a reimagined academic experience; the introduction of new, in-demand programs for undergraduate and graduate students; expansion of athletic opportunities; and focusing on a campus environment that supports diversity, equity and inclusion, and the needs of first-generation students.

To fund this ambitious agenda, in 2015, Hammond launched the largest capital campaign in College history the $150 million Brilliant Future Campaign.

Over his tenure, Hammond became a prominent figure in higher education nationally, serving in leadership roles for the New American Colleges and Universities, NCAA Division III, the Associated Colleges of Illinois, and the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.

In October 2021, the campus gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Dr. Myron Wentz Center for Health Sciences and Engineering. It represented another significant gift from Dr. Myron Wentz ’63 (H) ’11 in support of the College’s strategy to meet the changing needs of students in an evolving higher education marketplace.

On that occasion, Hammond said: “We dream big dreams for North Central College and its students … and working together, we make those dreams a reality.”

Pictured, (from left): Dedication of the Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center (1). Pictured, (from top right): Inauguration Day, with former board chair Steven Hoeft ’73 (2); greeting students at the Multicultural Center Student Open House during Homecoming 2021 (3); building and testing bridges with engineering students (4); and recognition for Cardinal First, with Julie Carballo, assistant dean for first-generation, transfer and veteran initiatives (5)

Troy Hammond has created a lasting legacy at North Central College, and the transformation he led is apparent just by walking around campus. He’s left an indelible mark on the long history of the College, and I want to thank him for everything he’s done.”

A campus transformed

During his presidency, Troy Hammond continuously envisioned how existing and new buildings could better serve students, faculty and staff and pursued a goal of modernizing most academic classrooms and labs. Properties were added to expand a landlocked campus. And with experience in green technologies, Hammond saw the value of energy-efficient investments.

Hammond’s legacy of leadership is best represented by the state-of-theart science center (1) that opened in March 2017 the single largest facility investment the College had ever undertaken. It was officially dedicated as the Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center in October 2017 in recognition of a generous gift from Wentz. The facility added 131,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, meeting spaces and offices and transformed the central campus into an academic hub. During summer 2017, the former Kroehler Science Center was renovated to accommodate the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, including a modern Bloomberg Finance Lab (2), one of only 10 of its kind in the country at the time. Goldspohn Hall was renovated to house political science, philosophy, and communications and media studies. The first floor of Old Main was transformed into an inviting Welcome Center (3) for visiting students and families. In 2016-2017, 209,098 square feet of space for academic, support services, athletics and student use was constructed or renovated.

In fall 2015, a new residence hall filled a need for modern student housing. Located at 451 S. Brainard St., the five-story hall for 229 upperclass students was designed to offer suite-style housing. With 2,006 pieces of new furniture, it was the first residence hall to be fully furnished—and also presented opportunities for additional revenues from summer housing rentals. It was an important project that paved the way for construction of the Wentz Science Center.

In 2018, the opening of a new Campus Store (4), a collaboration between the College and strategic partners, provided students with affordable online textbook purchases and a wide selection of branded gear.

In 2019, the lobby of Larrance Academic Center was transformed into an innovative Coffee Lab (5), one of only three in the country at collegiate institutions dedicated to studying the business and science of the coffee industry. The lab became the base for Enactus coffee operations while offering engaged learning opportunities for students of all majors. In addition, 2019 brought the opening of a new Multicultural Student Center and new offices for the Office of Student Involvement in remodeled space in the Harold and Eva White Activities Center.

With a strategic expansion of health sciences underway, Hammond led the charge to construct the Dr. Myron Wentz Center for Health Sciences and Engineering (6) on Chicago Avenue. The Center opened in January 2021 to house the master of occupational therapy program and was also designed for the master of science in physician assistant studies and doctor of physical therapy programs. The Manufacturing Processes Lab on the lower level was funded in part by a gift from Navistar, in support of the College’s engineering program.

In 2021-2022, building plans were approved and implemented to transform Oesterle Library into a learning commons, housing a full range of support services

centered around student success. The interior and exterior were fully renovated and updated, including the addition of an outside landscaped patio. (See p. 4 for additional information.)

With an eye toward future growth and space needs, the College acquired properties on Riverview Drive, 409 E. Chicago Ave., 40 E. Jefferson Ave., and the corner of Loomis Street and Benton Avenue. By 2022, campus acreage had expanded to more than 69 acres.

During his tenure, Hammond led a wide range of “green” initiatives, including: the installation of LED lighting in Merner Field House, Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium

and other facilities; solar photovoltaic systems on the Residence Hall/ Recreation Center (7), Wentz Science Center and 999 E. Chicago maintenance facility; landfill diversion programs; stormwater infrastructure and rain gardens; and achieving level 2 ArbNet arboretum accreditation with expanded tree species planted on campus.

Improvements and updates to Rall and Seager residence halls, Kaufman Dining Hall, and landscaping and walkways meant that students could enjoy a more pleasing and comfortable environment as they pursued their studies.

During the past seven years, the College added more than 272,000 square feet of new state-of-the-art facilities, along with completely renovating 204,798 square feet of existing space. This represents about 38 percent of the College’s building footprint likely placing North Central in the top tier of institutions our size undergoing transformation during that time.”

MIKE HUDSON, VICE PRESIDENT FOR OPERATIONS

A visionary agenda for new directions

Building on the College’s strong academic foundation, the academic experience evolved over Hammond’s presidency as he championed a series of important initiatives including a complete reimagining of the general education curriculum; implementation of a semester calendar; restructuring of all undergraduate majors into a four credit-hour system; and introducing engineering and health science programs. Thanks to remarkable efforts by faculty and staff, the result was expanded opportunities for students and new horizons for growth in enrollment.

North Central College earned multiple recognitions in 2015: A top producer of Fulbright Scholarship recipients; the Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization (1); and best overall radio station award by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (2)

In 2016, the English Language Institute (ELI) was launched to meet a need for incoming international students and others to improve their academic and professional English skills. The program provides eligibility for conditional admission to North Central’s undergraduate programs.

In 2017, Hammond led North Central College’s completion of the acquisition and creation of the Shimer Great Books School (3), integrating Shimer’s rich history and unique programming into North Central’s academic offerings and welcoming more than 3,710 Shimer graduates into the College’s alumni family.

A transformative restructuring in 2016 created a College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Entrepreneurship, and School of Education and Health Sciences, led by three full-time academic deans reporting to Abiódún “G-P” GòkèPariolá, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

In 2016, the Academic Affairs area created the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence (CAFE), which was designed to support faculty as teachers, mentors, scholars, and campus leaders—all critically important to student success.

ABIÓDÚN “G-P” G ÒK È-PARIOL Á , PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

In fall 2018, a cohort of 40 students began classes to earn their master’s degree in occupational therapy signaling a significant new strategic direction in offering graduate degrees in health sciences. Since then, progress has continued by the School of Education and Health Sciences with the master of science in physician assistant studies program launching in January 2022 (4) and doctor of physical therapy degree program set to begin in January 2023. In addition, a new master of athletic training was accredited in 2019.

Troy Hammond positioned the College for continuing success even in a most challenging higher education environment by creating new opportunities consistent with our mission, that uniquely leverage our strengths, including a strong liberal arts foundation and our location.”

In 2018, learning outcomes for 80 majors and 60 minors were revised by faculty in preparation for the transition to semesters in 2019-2020, when a semester calendar and four credit-hour curriculum were fully implemented. A reimagined general education curriculum, branded Cardinal Directions, was also launched.

Four-year bachelor of science degrees in computer, electrical and mechanical engineering were introduced by the College of Arts and Sciences in 2018 (5). Frank Harwath, professor of engineering and director of the engineering program, developed the curriculum to incorporate a comprehensive liberal arts education.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANTS

The College’s emphasis on STEM fields helped attract grant funding from the National Science Foundation for building capacity and partnerships to result in more high school teachers in STEM fields; and for botany research projects conducted with students by

assistant professor of biology, through a $714,000 Early Career Grant.

In December 2018, a $3.2 million grant the largest private grant in the institution's history was awarded to the College by the Kern Family Foundation to foster "cultures of character" in schools.

A framework for the grant is infused in two areas: the College's master of educational leadership degree program, which includes eligibility for principal endorsement, and a Character Education Institute anchored by the Leadership, Ethics and Values (LEV) program (6)

The grant also supports scholarships for underrepresented candidates or educators serving high-needs schools, as well as fellowships for select master's

candidates to complete full immersion internships with a principal-mentor.

In 2020, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) continued the accreditation of North Central College and determined the College met all the criteria.

Hammond supported these initiatives to position the College to thrive for the next decade and beyond.

Joanna Weremijewicz,

Hard-won victories amidst myriad challenges

New initiatives during Hammond’s tenure included support for first-generation students, a new institutional brand strategy, a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and expanded opportunities for students, including additional athletic teams. Coming off the College’s first-ever NCAA Division III national championship in football, the momentum on campus in winter 2020 was seemingly unstoppable. But a fast-spreading COVID-19 pandemic changed the entire playbook in March 2020, requiring an unprecedented move to remote operations.

A significant program introduced under Hammond was Cardinal First (1), implemented in 2015. It offers a framework for mentoring the growing population of first-generation students throughout their years on campus, culminating in a “pinning ceremony” before Commencement to celebrate their persistence. Julie Carballo, assistant dean for first-generation, transfer and veteran initiatives, became a nationally recognized expert in first-generation programming. Faculty collaborated on the Cardinal First model by mentoring first-gen cocurricular groups within their academic disciplines.

The Cardinal Athletic Bands program (2) was added in 2015 to support Cardinal spirit at home athletic events and build camaraderie among student musicians. The Cardinal Marching Band performs at all home football games and traveled to support the Cardinals’ first-ever football national championship in 2019 (3) and national runner-up in 2021.

Troy Hammond’s legacy will certainly be centered on creative ideas and innovative change to make the student experience the best for each group and person. In addition, he challenged our athletic leadership to address DEI initiatives within student programming, hiring practices and staffing.”

JESSICA BROWN, VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS & ATHLETICS

In 2019-2020, a new institutional branding campaign, “Exceed Your Personal Best,” was launched on campus and throughout Chicagoland with bus ads, billboards and digital campaigns. It was inspired by legendary coach Al Carius (H) ’16, communicating an authentic representation of how the College inspires students to push beyond their limits.

Hammond managed the College through one of its most challenging times—the COVID-19 pandemic. The College’s response to the pandemic was designed to support students’ continued college experience. When the campus began remote operations on March 18, 2020, faculty and staff undertook the herculean task of conducting meaningful instruction online. In May, a video-based Commencement ceremony celebrated the Class of 2020 (4).

Extraordinary leadership from the entire campus helped to restore most in-person campus operations during fall 2020, with careful management of COVID-19 surveillance testing (5), strict residence hall and dining protocols, the use of contact tracers and quarantine housing, and indoor mask requirements. Admission

visits, Welcome Week and orientation sessions were held virtually. Fall athletics were postponed and other student events continued online—such as academic competitions, research presentations and Honors Day. The academic year ended on a high note as four outdoor Commencement ceremonies in May 2021 celebrated the classes of 2020 and 2021.

Summer 2020 brought incidents of racial tension across the country, including Naperville and the North Central campus. Hammond led the campus response, emphasizing communication via listening sessions with Black students and a virtual town hall. The resulting action plans included campus forums and a robust Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) website; dialogue training and resources; creation of an Athletics DEI Council; a campus climate study and follow-up workshops; and the appointment of the College’s first-ever chief diversity officer Rebecca Gordon, assistant vice president for equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Hammond recognized the importance of expanding opportunities for students. The athletic department became the largest in the College Conference of

Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), with the addition of men’s volleyball, men’s lacrosse, women’s triathlon (2016) (6); women’s bowling (2017); and women’s wrestling (2019). During Hammond’s presidency, student-athletes won 10 team national championships and earned significant recognition for their academic performance, as well.

Hammond served as the chair of the NCAA Division III President’s Council, as a member of the NCAA Board of Governors, and led the CCIW as chair of the Presidents’ Council. In doing so, he helped lead momentous change in college athletics at the national and local level.

Upon announcing his decision to end his term as President, Hammond expressed gratitude to the College community for working with him on his vision. And still, he looked to what comes next. “Being College President for the past decade has been the honor of my lifetime. Together we have transformed North Central College to be better prepared for the future. I will forever be an avid fan of North Central College and will support this institution, its faculty, and students in any way that I can.”

As we near the end of our Brilliant Future campaign, I can’t help but look back with gratitude. First and foremost, for the incredible vision Dr. Troy Hammond had for our institution. Also, thanks to your dedication to that vision of North Central and the educational experience we provide, we continue to support students in the classroom, on stage, in the community, on the playing field, and everywhere Cardinals excel.

As an alumnus of North Central, I have been grateful to spend so much of my adult life here in my journey from

undergraduate student to vice president. From the moment I stepped off the train and first saw the steeple on Old Main, I’ve known this was home.

The College continues to benefit from the vision of its founders, which was rooted in their faith, commitment to education, and service to the greater good. We are also fortunate to be in a wonderful community like Naperville and so close to the great city of Chicago. Fortunate to be graced with dynamic faculty, highly engaged students, and a thriving atmosphere of life and learning. And particularly fortunate to have so many donors contributing to make North Central the College of destination it is today.

For that—for you—I am most grateful.

Adrian Aldrich ’02 Vice President for Institutional Advancement

MAT LITTLETON

’01

Being on the go defined Mat ’01 and Krista Engerman ’02 Littleton’s time at North Central—as it does their generous giving.

The couple’s first meeting was at the College and it was borne of the need to move. “I told (my parents) that if I had a personal computer, I would be less likely to leave my room, and that I actually enjoyed working in the computer labs on campus and being social,” Mat said. “They returned the computer and got their money back, and I ended up meeting Krista in the Ward (Hall) computer lab!”

The two of them didn’t hold still very often. Mat credits running for legendary cross country and track and field coaches Al Carius (H) ’16 and Frank Gramarosso with helping him develop personally and achieve his life goals. He also counts

Bramsen Professor in the Humanities Jennifer Jackson as “a life-long influence.” Krista especially liked taking advantage of North Central’s proximity to Naperville and the Riverwalk. “I always took great pride walking to and from classes, enjoying the huge historical houses and beautiful neighborhood that the campus was situated in,” she said.

Besides being a team in life, Mat and Krista are a professional combination as well, serving as head coaches of the Coe College men’s and women’s cross country and track and field teams, respectively.

Lessons they learned at North Central play into their jobs every day. “I learned a lot of valuable knowledge in my psychology courses that influences

my coaching style, approach, and communication with my athletes even 20 years later,” said Krista.

Mat and Krista wasted no time becoming donors after graduation. They have supported the Wentz Fine Arts Center, Wentz Science Center, Writing Center, North Central College Fund, Residence Hall/Recreation Center, men’s cross country and track and field programs, and Cardinal Operation Hope and Help. They have also included North Central in their will planning. “We choose to give back because of the impact that North Central has had on our lives,” said Mat. “Not only would we not have met each other if not for the College, but we would not be the people that we are without our North Central experience.”

“We choose to give back because of the impact that North Central has had on our lives. Not only would we not have met each other if not for the College, but we would not be the people that we are without our North Central experience.”

When the position was sent to me, I had this feeling like goosebumps because it was almost exactly what I envisioned as the dream job that I would want—to secure a leadership opportunity that was addressing student services and connected to my foundation in athletics.

Then once I got more into the research component of what North Central offered, I started to get excited because I realized this is an elite institution and I thought I could really do some good things here.

The other thing that I would say surprised me was the deep level of institutional spirit. Everyone wears North Central stuff.

It has been a blessing. It has been a challenge. It has been rewarding. And very fulfilling. I knew it was going to be a challenge because I hadn’t had a team this big and the institution’s bigger than what I had experienced before.

To be able to work directly with Dyson (Wellness Center) and medical and mental health services is something that I consider my “soul work;” to be able to serve students in that way. I really enjoy the people who are in my division.

Every day there’s a win. It’s just rewarding to walk down the (Sesquicentennial Walkway) and hear a student say, “Hey, J.B.!” And I say, “Whoa, the student knows my name. That’s pretty cool.” It’s like an instant sense of belonging. It’s been great.

I’m most proud of establishing the team. We feel like a team. My structure is in place, as in how and when I communicate things, and so that lends to a healthy culture.

What are your goals for the future?

Maintaining a healthy, inclusive and collaborative climate, both within my division and across the College. I feel that I’m positioned well to help with creating a collective environment to retain Black faculty and staff. And it’s good for me too, because sometimes I don’t see people who look like me.

Pushing a strategic plan that not only addresses our needs as a division, but also supports and enhances the student experience.

And then going out to different student events to continue to establish my relationship with students directly. I think the more that the students can get to know me and see me, they’ll see that I’m a partner with them and I want to lead them through the best student experience here at North Central.

We are on the cusp of doing some really exciting things. The energy is high. You’ll feel welcomed when you come back or as you navigate here. So get excited!

What interested you most about this position and has anything surprised you?

You are a vice president of two divisions for the first time in your career. What has it been like taking on that challenge?

If there was one message you could give the North Central community, what would it be?

BROWN DURING HER VOLLEYBALL PLAYING DAYS AT WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY.

celebrated one year at North Central College as vice president for student affairs and athletics. We caught up with Jessica to find out more about her and her North Central experience so far.

Jessica Brown recently

By Kily Egan ’23

Naperville is more than 7,000 miles from Burundi, a country in East Africa. Nevertheless, two North Central students who have lived in Burundi managed to find each other on campus.

Jeredie Sinzinkayo ’23 (above left) found North Central through a connection at the Tujenge Africa Foundation. Selemani Kamarindo ’23 (above right) was a refugee after living in multiple countries including Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya. They met thanks to Cardinal First, the first-generation student program at North Central that offers support, workshops, and time management training.

Despite being far from Burundi, Jeredie and Selemani found a piece of home in each other. After connecting through email messages for a few weeks, they found a time to meet in person at Kaufman Dining Hall.

“We started talking as old friends, as if we’d known each other for years,” said

Jeredie. With their shared love of soccer and longing for a piece of home, Selemani and Jeredie enjoy spending Sundays together cooking, eating and watching the game. It’s a way for them to connect back to their culture, as they’ll tell you everyone in Africa watches soccer. It is also an added perk to have a friend to talk to in Kirundi, the native language of Burundi.

Jeredie shared, “Back home, someone will tell you to meet with them at 12 and they will arrive at 2 p.m. Or start preparing themselves at 2 p.m.” Selemani explained how Cardinal First helps him organize his time studying as well as his full-time job working a night shift.

Being so far from home is hard. Jeredie emphasized how much he missed his family, and both students expressed the culture shock that comes with being an international student and how they’ve had to adjust to life in a new country.

Jeredie and Selemani symbolize how international students offer unique insights into the world and bring with them experiences and ideas everyone can learn from. The number of international students enrolling at North Central College is on the rise, and in a response shared by many, Selemani said, “Wow, that’s something positive right there.”

Recently approved by the state of Illinois, North Central’s new special education degree program was designed by Cheryl Widman (left), visiting assistant professor of education. Leaning on her Ph.D. in special education, as well as nine years of experience in middle school teaching, Widman designed a program that combines research-based curriculum with multiple field opportunities for hands-on learning. Currently, there is a nationwide shortage of special education teachers—a scarcity the program looks to address. According to Bruce Spitzer, chairperson of the

department of education, “Recent data from the Illinois State Board of Education indicates that there are 602 unfilled special education positions in the state. We are excited to offer this robust, new program that helps fill a need in the Chicagoland area.”

Despite the local and national shortage, special education teachers play an important role in their students’ lives and in their communities. They must be able to meet the diverse needs of their students in order to help them live, work and function in the community. In Widman’s words, “Your job as a teacher is to liberate the talent in every child.”

Integral to students’ success are the fieldwork experiences built into the program. These varied field opportunities will allow teacher candidates to

self-determine where they can best use their skills in their student teaching residencies—and, eventually, at which level they want to teach after graduating.

Widman has witnessed first-hand the impact special education teachers have on their students’ outcomes and successes—her son, Nicolas (right), is autistic and teaches at Clemson University. This personal motivation has driven her dedication to instruct and encourage aspiring special educators.

Widman hopes the new program will inspire future educators to open opportunities for others. She said for a child in any level of special education, “It’s not just about acquiring skills, it’s about being included.”

“We started talking as old friends as if we’d known each other for years.”

JEREDIE SINZINKAYO ’23

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE

special education degree program built on research and inclusion

SPRING-SPORT ATHLETES MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME

Cardinals reach historic mark in Division III all-sports standings

BY CLARK TEUSCHER

The cancellation of the 2020 spring athletic season brought a premature end to several promising teams’ efforts at North Central College. In the first full academic year of competition since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, those teams and many of those same student-athletes made up for lost time and put together one of the finest spring seasons in the institution’s storied history.

In 2020, the North Central baseball team started 7-0 and pitcher Charlie Klemm ’22 was coming off a season in which he won First Team All-Region, Fourth Team All-America and CCIW Pitcher of the Year honors.

Against the bitter disappointment of losing the opportunity to compete, Klemm and his teammates tried to keep the larger issue in perspective.

“One thing we had to remember was we weren’t the only ones going through it,” Klemm said. “Our team did a great job of staying connected with each other and staying motivated. We knew if we kept working to get better during that time, we’d pick up where we left off when we got the call to play again.”

Klemm saw his 2021 season curtailed, as well, this time due to injury. He was resolute in his determination to finish his career on the field and returned in 2022 to go 7-3 on the mound with 70 strikeouts in 59 innings. Klemm earned First Team All-CCIW accolades and started on the season’s final day, the NCAA Division III Regional Championship.

The baseball team earned its spot in the 2022 national tournament after winning their seventh straight CCIW regular-season championship. The Cardinals’ men’s tennis, women’s tennis and men’s lacrosse programs each won their respective conference tournaments as well, with the men’s tennis and men’s lacrosse teams doing so for the first time.

Also earning its first NCAA Tournament bid last April was the men’s volleyball program, while the softball team made the tournament for the first time since 2015. The men’s and women’s track and

field programs had student-athletes on the awards stand at the Outdoor National Championships after sweeping the team titles at the CCIW Outdoor Championships.

This success translated into a dramatic move up the standings in the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Directors’ Cup standings for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Directors’ Cup recognizes broad-based student-athlete success by awarding points to institutions based on their finish at national championship events.

The Cardinals finished the year ranked 22nd out of more than 400 Division III institutions with 649 points, their highest total since the Director’s Cup began in 1995-96. North Central’s spring-season teams totaled 311 points, the nation’s 13th-highest total. The Cardinals scored 175 points in the fall season thanks to the football team’s national runner-up finish and NCAA championship appearances by the men’s soccer and men’s cross country teams. The winter season, which featured All-American competitors in men’s and women’s indoor track and field, garnered the Cardinals 163 points.

“The entire 2021-2022 academic year was full of incredible performances,” said Athletic Director Jim Miller ’86. “We feel particularly happy for the student-athletes who were able to achieve such excellent results after having to endure the heartbreak and disappointment of a cancelled season.”

“The entire 2021-2022 academic year was full of incredible performances, particularly after having to endure the heartbreak of a cancelled season.”

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR JIM MILLER ’86

MEN’S LACROSSE TEAM WINS THE CCIW TITLE GAME.

CHARLIE KLEMM ’22

JULIA BABINEC ’22 (CENTER) RUNS THE HURDLES. JARED MOSER ’23 GOES UP FOR A SPIKE.

ALLISON LAMBERT ’23

MEN’S TENNIS TEAM AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.

HANNAH HOUGLAND ’22 (LEFT) AND ALAINA KANTHAPHIXAY

’22

Head coaching hires look to grow Cardinal championship success

ANTHONY FIGUEROA - Men’s Basketball

In May, the College announced the hiring of Anthony Figueroa as the 19th head coach in the 120-year history of the Cardinals’ men’s basketball program.

“We’re excited to welcome Coach Figueroa to North Central after an outstanding coaching tenure at Parkland (College),” Miller said. “His teams have competed at a high level, and he has a wealth of experience managing all the day-to-day responsibilities of running a program.”

Figueroa’s team at Parkland finished 23-8 last season, winning an NJCAA Central District Championship and advancing to the NJCAA Division II national tournament. In his 10 seasons as head coach, the Cobras went 221-79 and made two appearances in the NJCAA Elite Eight.

“It’s a thrill to have this opportunity,” Figueroa said. “North Central College is a great academic institution with a rich tradition of success in basketball, and the CCIW is one of the best conferences in the country.”

Figueroa played collegiately at Chicago State University before transferring to Millikin, from which he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2000.

“At two-year institutions, you’re frequently tasked with managing nearly every facet of the recruitment process in addition to athletics,” Figueroa said. “I think the experience I’ve gained in those other functional areas will be a strength for me.

“I would like for our teams to be described as unselfish, disciplined and hardworking. We will try to create that atmosphere in everything we do.”

NORA SCHROEDTER ’86 - Men’s Swimming & Diving

Former Cardinal swimming standout Nora Schroedter ’86 is the new head coach of the Cardinals’ men’s swimming and diving program.

Schroedter has more than 35 years of experience as a swimming coach. She has coached collegiately at the College of DuPage and at the high school level with Benet Academy and Neuqua Valley.

“Nora brings a lifelong connection to swimming in the Naperville area,” Miller said. “Her local ties to so many high school and club programs should prove invaluable as we look to grow our team while providing an outstanding swimming and college experience.”

Schroedter was a founding coach of the Maverick Swim Club in Naperville and served as coach of Team Illinois and Illinois’ Swimming Development Camp. Part of her role there was to counsel high school student-athletes on a college athletic path.

Schroedter is excited about the opportunity to coach where she used to compete. “I am looking forward to building the program and watching the team improve,” said Schroedter.

“Nora’s coaching commitment, enthusiasm, experience, and love of North Central College position her perfectly for a successful partnership,” said Miller.

AVERI LEWIS - Women’s Triathlon/Swimming & Diving

Averi

“Averi brings an impressive approach to coaching the two sports. We believe her education and experience coaching swimmers and triathletes of various ages, abilities, and motivations will support the goals and aspirations of our own North Central College student-athletes,” said Miller.

Lewis comes to North Central with nearly 10 years of coaching and leadership experience. In her most recent roles, she was the

head age group and masters swim coach at the Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club as well as a triathlon coach with Matt Hanson Racing.

“Ever since women’s triathlon became an emerging NCAA sport, I have had aspirations of coaching collegiate triathlon,” said Lewis. “Because my athletic and coaching career first began in swimming, I was immediately drawn to this role that would allow me to coach both sports I am so passionate about.

“I feel very privileged to join the ranks of coaches who are helping to shape the future of triathlon as a collegiate sport in its initial stage. I hope my work will help North Central to continue to set the standard for competitive excellence in Division III triathlon.”

Lewis joined North Central in April as the new head coach of the Cardinals’ women’s triathlon and swimming and diving programs.

KEEPING ROCK ALIVE

As a product of the station, WONC-FM 89.1 General Manager Zach DeWitz ’05 (above left) knows as well as anyone what WONC means to North Central College and the opportunities it creates for students. After concluding that a brand refresh would help elevate the station’s visibility and brand, DeWitz did what WONC is known for: He put the challenge in the students’ hands.

WONC relaunched on August 9 with a new brand, logo and website, along with a renewed dedication to being the premier destination for future broadcast professionals. Along with the refreshed look is an entirely new brand kit, including a full color palette and merchandise, all generated by the students.

“I think it was (the right time) for a relaunch because our website and logo were considerably old—the old logo (was) even older than I was,” said Sam Corbett ’24, WONC sports director and member of the North Central baseball team. “Our technology has gotten so much better over the years, and it was only right to update our brand as well.”

“The process of reinventing the station’s image really began in August 2021 when we changed the voiceover in our on-air branding,” said DeWitz. That momentum continued into playing more music from the ‘90s and increasing WONC’s presence and brand fidelity on social media.

DEWITZ ’05 LEADS WONC INTO THE FUTURE

The station will still feature daily rock music, local artists, live broadcasts of North Central athletics games, and specialty shows highlighting a wide array of artists and genres. DeWitz and his students made changes to help serve as a reminder of how much WONC has to offer.

“Our aim was to improve our visibility, our image and our sound to return to national prominence,” said Zoie Morack ’24, the

“The best part about WONC is that you can be on the air your second day of classes— no experience needed—and we will teach you and guide you along the way,” DeWitz said. “But we want prospective students to know they can come to North Central and have their experience help launch them into the professional world.”

WONC is an extended family going back generations, and even as the station

station’s assistant manager. “The logo and website and our utilization of social media was no longer representing that goal and it was time to make a change that really showed our listeners that this new era of WONC was going to rock.”

WONC will remain a place for pursuing a fun hobby or meeting new people as well as providing a professional environment to help build students’ skills. That means increasing experiential opportunities, like using the station’s new automation system and a soon-to-come podcasting studio.

makes changes the essence remains the same. You can hear that directly from current staff.

“The WONC family is something that is very dear to my heart,” Morack said. “When I walk into the station, I always know that I can breathe a sigh of relief. Home is where the heart is and my heart is at WONC.”

“We want prospective students to know they can come to North Central and have their experience help launch them into the professional world.”

GENERAL MANAGER ZACH DEWITZ ’05

CLASSNOTES

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

1956

LAUREL RICHARDSON S ’56 published her book “A Story of Marriage through Dementia and Beyond: Love in a Whirlwind,” which gives an unflinching account of the last year of her husband Ernest Lockridge’s life—advancing from transient amnesia to Lewy body dementia. Richardson retired from the sociology department at The Ohio State University.

1962

BILL MELSHEIMER was a featured speaker at the 2022 Pre-K-8 Principals Conference in Louisville, Ky. He presented on the topic of “Leadership Coaching: Taking Your Performance to the Next Level.” The focus of the conference is to support the building of leadership capacities, to achieve outcomes through collaboration and to promote access to distinguished thought leaders.

1981

DEBORAH CROWN was named the 10th dean of the Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. Crown previously served as dean of the Crummer Graduate School of Business and professor of management at Rollins College, where she increased fundraising by 149 percent.

1989

LYNNEA LOUDENBECK BAHM was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in teaching mathematics and science. Bahm has worked as an educator for 30 years while serving on various committees devoted to improving the educational system. Bahm visited Washington, D.C., to receive her award.

NADIA KANHAI-ZAMORA is a member of the Discipleship Taskforce and the Anti-Racism Taskforce of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The taskforces attended meetings with the denomination’s General Board of Church and Society and the General Commission of Religion and Race in Washington, D.C.

1993

JOHN MALONE was appointed as associate professor of communication and general manager of radio and television operations at Eureka College in Eureka, Ill. Malone previously spent 18 years at Lincoln College developing a degree program that he will now implement at Eureka.

1994

TONY ARRIVO was promoted to technical manager from his previous role as CASE industry manager at Brenntag. Arrivo received the award of excellence from the Chicago Paint & Coatings Association, the 17th individual to be awarded this title. Arrivo has worked for Brenntag for 19 years.

1995

HAGOP SOULAKIAN was the first to teach a curriculum called INCubatoredu at Barrington High School, where it was originally launched. This course is designed to teach the tenets of entrepreneurship to 16- and 17-year-olds, challenging them to start their own companies. This curriculum is now being implemented at 196 schools nationwide.

1997

SHANNON BYRNE CUNNINGHAM received her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Texas-Denton. Her dissertation was a qualitative study called “Lived Experiences of Women Superintendents That Impact Promotion to the Superintendency in Texas Public School Districts.” Cunningham was featured in UNT’s Great Grads publication.

1999

REV. MATTHEW KRINGS is a member of the Discipleship Taskforce and the Anti-Racism Taskforce of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The taskforces attended meetings with the denomination’s General Board of Church and Society and the General Commission of Religion and Race in Washington, D.C.

ZEUMER ’67 KRANPITZ was featured in the May-June 2022 issue of SWIMMER magazine, the official publication of U.S. Masters Swimming, in a story honoring her trailblazing career on the men’s swimming team at North Central. Kranpitz helped set the stage for Title IX, but as detailed in the story by Mike Watkins, she didn’t intend to make social change—she had lived much of her life in the water and simply wanted a chance to keep swimming.

“There were few women’s swim programs (when I got to North Central) in 1963 except at the large universities, and I didn’t want to go to a big university.” Kranpitz credited six-time CCIW champion men’s swimming coach John Molitor ’60 for her finding a place on the men’s team, and said her competitive drive helped her fit in. “Without John’s support and acceptance of me, I probably would have stopped swimming. I honestly didn’t think I was doing anything special; I just wanted to swim. I would occasionally beat the guys in practice, and they would just say, ‘I’ll get you next time.’”

That drive has continued ever since. Kranpitz was the first woman in North Central history to compete in a conference championship in a men’s varsity sport. She also swam in the NAIA

women’s swimming championship for three consecutive years. She went on to become a junior high physical education teacher and coach, and has competed in Masters swim races for more than 42 years. Kranpitz received the Cleo Tanner Award in 2016, recognizing her for making outstanding contributions to North Central women’s athletics. At age 77, she still swims three times a week.

“Swimming is one of the few sports that allows you to continue competing no matter your age, and I love that,” she said. “It’s been a fantastic life, and swimming is a big reason for that.”

NANCY

2001

SHANNON SCHWARZWALDER M ’06 graduated from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minn., with her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

2002

JASMINE TODD FAULKNER was named one of 207 music educators recognized as a quarter-finalist for the 2023 Grammy Music Educator Award for her work creating an inclusive modern band classroom, including the role of sound engineer in her classroom, and creating a student-led youth stage business.

2003

JOANNA NAVARRO MIGO is the owner of a private practice called Rainbow Reading in Wheaton, Ill. Migo offers dyslexia therapy and literacy support services to the DuPage County community.

REV. SHARON RICE is a member of the Discipleship Taskforce and the Anti-Racism Taskforce of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The taskforces attended meetings with the denomination’s General Board of Church and Society and the General Commission of Religion and Race in Washington, D.C.

MICHAEL SUNDBLAD accepted a position as dean of English, Humanities and Creative Technologies at Nashville State Community College. Sundblad will be responsible for academic, programmatic, managerial, and fiscal oversight and leadership of the English, communications, humanities and arts, and creative technologies programs.

2004

MICHAEL ANTHONY NORWOOD JR. played defensive tackle for Team USA International Football in the Alliance Bowl in Oaxaca, Mexico. Team USA beat Mexico 42-6, with Norwood compiling three solo tackles, two forced fumbles, and three assists. Norwood plans to continue competing with the international team while teaching and coaching at Gage Park High School in Chicago.

MATT TIFFY was named head coach of the year for the South Suburban Baseball Conference. This is his second time receiving this recognition, the first being in 2018.

2005

LINDA BONIFAS-GUZMAN is a member of the Discipleship Taskforce and the Anti-Racism Taskforce of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The taskforces attended meetings with the denomination’s General Board of Church and Society and the General Commission of Religion and Race in Washington, D.C.

MEGAN O’CONNOR has been named one of the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s 40 Under Forty honorees. O’Connor is a partner at Levin & Perconti.

GRIFFIN SONNTAG has assumed the role of business manager, CSBO, and director of transportation at Pleasantdale Middle School in Burr Ridge, Ill. after five years as principal. Sonntag’s role includes serving the superintendent, school board, and residents of Pleasantdale School District 107 through oversight of finances, facilities, food service, and transportation for the district.

2006

LT. COL. BETSY DESITTER has become the new commander at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic. DeSitter’s role as leader of the clinic is to take care of soldiers and their families, providing health service support and ensuring soldiers are ready when called to duty.

MATT LANGES is the principal of Elmwood Elementary in Naperville, which just earned National Blue Ribbon Recognition. The school was recognized as an Exemplary High-Performing School, ranking among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

LINDSEY O’NEILL MCGEE was appointed the new dean of students at Herget Middle School in Aurora, Ill.

2007

ANGELA GROSKO was promoted to the executive team position as director of quality assurance at Envision Unlimited.

KELLY KEATING HILLS accepted a new position as assistant principal at Hermes Elementary School in Aurora, Ill.

WAYNE RANDAZZO is the radio color commentator and post-game host for the New York Mets. Randazzo called Albert Pujols’ 699th and 700th career major league home runs while filling in as play-by-play announcer for “Friday Night Baseball” on Apple TV+.

ALEXANDRIA RIOS TAYLOR accepted a new position as the principal of Mundelein High School in Mundelein, Ill. Taylor previously worked as the assistant principal at Glenbard East High School in Lombard, Ill.

NICHOLE SWAFFORD has accepted a new role as a congressional affairs analyst working in the Chief Strategy Office of the Social Security Administrative Office of the Inspector General (SSA and OIG). Swafford will engage with congressional staff on constituent matters, maintain awareness of legislative motives affecting the SSA and OIG’s work, and maintain relationships in seven congressional committees.

2008

JESSICA SCHMIDT HENRY accepted a new position as assistant principal at Brady Elementary School in Aurora, Ill.

2009

WILL ALLAN has written a play called “Campaigns Inc.” It was produced by the TimeLine Theatre Company in Chicago.

SHAWNA JANSEN ARMSTRONG accepted a new position as assistant director of athletics at Elmhurst University.

LINDSAY OOSTMAN GARDNER pursued her counseling endorsement and received a job as a school counselor at Channahon Junior High School in Channahon, Ill. Gardner previously taught biology for 10 years.

ERIC KNOX received his doctorate of philosophy in education from Northcentral University in San Diego.

2010

ASHLEY BARTEL has accepted a new job as director of innovation and digital marketing and communication at the University of Illinois Chicago.

SEAN CARSLON M ’11 has been appointed head coach and director of the combined men’s and women’s cross country and distance program at the University of Tennessee. Carlson previously coached at the University of Notre Dame, where he guided his teams to four American collegiate records, 13 school records, 29 NCAA All-America performances, two NCAA records, and three NCAA championships.

2013

BRIAN RENAUD premiered his first film production in the fall with multiple screenings before heading to festivals. The film was shot in Chicago and Batavia, Ill., along with New York and Atlanta. It features costumes and makeup from North Central Adjunct Professor Julane Sullivan, and work from alumni SAM HESS ’16, ALI LEDBETTER ’12 BAILEY, DARYN HARRELL ’12, RACHEL RODEWALD ’17, and ASHLYN SEEHAFER ’16.

2014

PETER MASTERS started a new position as director of special education at District 80 in Norridge, Ill.

JON SIMPSON accepted a new position as assistant principal at Allen Elementary School in Aurora, Ill.

CHRIS PICCIUOLO was the 2022 Best of the Desert East Valley Winner for best columnist/ reporter presented by AZCentral. Picciuolo was also awarded first place for “best coverage of Native America” by the Native American Journalists Association.

2016

MIRACHELLE ANSELMO shared her story about being a chemist by trade, but a food scientist by temperament on WBEZ-FM, Chicago’s NPR affiliate. To read the article, visit https://bit.ly/3ThWMYf.

LAUREN BALTAS has been accepted to DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business where she will earn her master of business administration degree.

KEVIN ANDREW PRCHAL released a new album called “Unknowing.” Prchal is both a singer and songwriter and took time during the pandemic to develop these new songs. To learn more and listen to the album, visit his social @kevinprchal.

KELLY VAZQUEZ was selected as the 2022 ACORN Post-Doctoral Fellow. The $75,000 award is funded through the Childhood Diabetes Foundation and is used to cover a stipend and benefits at the National Institutes of Health level post-graduation. Vazquez is interested in improving treatments for autoimmune diseases.

2017

BRIAN MCLEOD received his master of science degree in integrated communication and advertising from Purdue University. McLeod accepted a position as SEO manager overseeing a prominent client at GroupM.

ALEXANDER PABON has joined Freeborn & Peters litigation practice group as a member of the complex commercial litigation team and an associate in the firm’s Chicago office.

MARIO VASSALL M ’19 was a contestant on season 19 of the ABC television show “The Bachelorette.” He received the first impression rose during the season premiere.

2018

JOE FEHRLE M ’20 has rejoined the North Central Cardinal football team as the tight ends coach. Fehrle was an All-American offensive lineman and former graduate assistant coach for North Central. He is the first full-time tight ends coach in program history.

ASHLEIGH JONES M ’18 received an award as a member of the first College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellowship class. Jones moderated a panel discussion during CoSIDA’s annual convention in Las Vegas, where North Central student sports information assistant Anna Fox ’23 was announced as one of two nationwide recipients of the $1,000 CoSIDA Undergraduate Scholarship.

KEVIN WHALEN graduated from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn., with a doctor of physical therapy degree. Following graduation, Whalen passed the National Board Exam.

MAYSON WHIPPLE has completed two master’s degrees from Lisbon, Portugal and Montpellier, France. Whipple is a Ph.D. student in the chemical engineering program at Michigan State University. She is creating a Fulbright proposal focused on new ways to treat opioid addiction through societal issues.

2020

CILLA PRATO is officially a board-certified occupational therapist. Prato decided to become an OT after going through the rehabilitation phase of Guillain-Barré syndrome, relearning to walk and speak.

ANNA THOMA received a master of science degree from DePaul University in sport, fitness and recreation leadership.

2021

JOHN KURPIEL received a fully funded offer to join the Ph.D. program at West Virginia University. He plans to study postcolonial and contemporary Anglophone literature with an emphasis in gender and sexuality studies.

ARIANNA URRUTIA started a job as a youth care worker for a non-profit organization called Kids Above All, a social service organization dedicated to serving foster care youth, educating parents and providing therapy services to children who have suffered complex trauma and have been victims of systematic racism or injustice. Urrutia also joined the North Central Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force.

AWARD WINNERS

North Central honored distinguished members of the College community at the annual Outstanding Alumni Awards dinner held during Homecoming Weekend on Friday, September 30, in Stevenson Hall at the Wentz Science Center. The honorees are pictured here; not present was Alumni Recognition Award winner Alexis Fraser ’11, who could not travel to the ceremony due to Hurricane Ian.

Pictured left to right: Outstanding Alumni Award winners Dr. Wonhee Anne Joh ’89, Steve Zolno S ’71, Kam Kniss ’07, Dr. Kevin Klauer ’87, Sandra Simmons ’77 Matthews, and Wall of Witness honorees Janis Fellers ’69 Peacock and Rev. Richard Peacock ’69.

MEMBERS OF THE 50-YEAR CLUB AT THE CLASS OF 1972 INDUCTION CEREMONY

Members of the 50-Year Club enjoyed brunch and welcomed the Class of 1972 into the club.

The 2022 class of the Cardinal Athletics Hall of Fame was recognized at a ceremony during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, October 1, in the Wentz Concert Hall. Honorees received the signature red blazer as well as ceremonial medals as part of their awards.

Pictured left to right in the back row: Dan Benton ’12 (track and field), Maggie Kelly ’08 Eckburg (volleyball), Landon Gamble ’14 (basketball), Bob Walker ’75 (baseball), and Mary Kate Rohn ’14 Walsh (golf). Pictured left to right in the front row: coach Kari Kluckhohn (track and field), special inductee Heidi Matthews (athletic training), Steve Holden ’06 (football), and Michael Spain ’11 (cross country and track and field).

WEDDINGS

FRANCESCA CANNIZZARO ’15 BAUMGARTNER and Jeffrey Baumgartner on June 4, 2022, in Chicago at Queen of All Saints Basilica. Alumni in attendance included EMMA RYAN ’15, KRISTIE DEVRIES ’88 MACDONALD, and JAN ROLL ’75 BAUMGARTNER 1

ALYXANDRIA “LEXY” SCHWARZWALDER ’16 CARPENTER and ALEX CARPENTER ’20 on January 12, 2022, aboard the Disney Dream cruise ship. Alumni attending included SHANNON SCHWARZWALDER ’01/M ’06, mother-of-thebride DAWN LOCKWOOD ’01 MOODY, and JULIA ZAYED ’17 2

ALLI NAZOREK ’16 DEVNEY and Aaron Devney on June 11, 2022, in Omaha, Neb. Alumni attending included MIKAYLA WOODWARD ’16 3

CHELSEA LORENZ ’17 GUANZON and DOMINIC GUANZON ’16 on May 26, 2022, in Chicago, followed by a mini-moon in Las Vegas. 4

MARCELLA WIRTZ ’14 KANE and CHRISTOPHER KANE ’10 on April 23, 2022, in St. Charles, Ill. Alumni in the wedding party included ANNA WIRTZ ’11 EVANS, NICK KANE ’10, and JESSICA CONNOR ’14 YOUNGREN 5

CATY VRABEC ’19 KONS and BLAKE KONS ’19 on June 11, 2022, in Merrionette Park, Ill. Alumni in attendance included: NICOLE VRABEC ’18, CLAIRE VRABEC ’18, REBECCA METCALF ’19, NICK ROGALSKI ’19, WILLIS WELCH ’19, MICHAEL MATEJA ’19, CHARLIE KLEMM ’22, RYAN SCOTT ’19, and MICKEY SMITH ’19. 6

WHITNEY VAN HISE ’12 SMITH and Lyle Smith on April 5, 2022, on the beach in Hawaii. 7

NATALIE VIVACQUA ’10/M ’12 and KATIE MCNEELA ’14 on September 2, 2022, at the Haight in Elgin, Ill. The bridal party included alumni MACKENZIE WENGER ’14 KETCHUM, JAMIE LEGNER ’14, LISA LINK ’09, and JENNIFER LINDQUIST ’09 8

BIRTHS

JESSICA STRUTHERS ’10 ANTONACCI and JOSEPH ANTONACCI ’11 , a girl, Vera, on July 24, 2022, weighing 8 lbs., 8 oz., and measuring 21 inches. Vera was welcomed by her big sister, Ayla.

MORGAN ROWE ’13 BROWN and Jeremy Brown, a boy, Asher, on March 25, 2022, weighing 6 lbs., 13 oz., and measuring 20 inches. Asher joins big brother, Everett, 3. 9

MARLENA MARTINEZ ’15 CASTELLI and Jonah Castelli, a girl, Eliana, on May 20, 2022, weighing 7 lbs., 3 oz., and measuring 18.5 inches. 10

NICOLE DINGRAUDO ’13 MENARY and Kyle Menary, a girl, Millie, on May 1, 2022, weighing 5 lbs., 12 oz., and measuring 18.5 inches. 11

CORNELIUS DONLEY ’16 and Jun Hu, a boy, Cornelius, on April 19, 2022, weighing 7 lbs., 15.3 oz., and measuring 21 inches. 12

JACKIE ERRICO ’11/M ’13 and Rachael Blanton, twins, Mackenzie and Tyler, on May 15, 2022. They were welcomed by grandfather TOM ERRICO ’81 13

WILLIE HAYES ’12 and Alexandria Hayes, a boy, Beau, on May 5, 2022, weighing 7 lbs., 1 oz., and measuring 19.5 inches. Beau joins big brother William, 18 months. 14

MEGAN ANDRACKI ’09 KAPLAN and Matt Kaplan, a girl, Aubrie, on February 5, 2022, weighing 6 lbs., 14 oz., and measuring 19.25 inches. Aubrie joins big sister Callie, 2. 15

LASHAWNDRA BROWN ’06 LUCAS and Todd Lucas, a boy, Hudson, on May 2, 2022. Hudson joins two other siblings.

GLORIA BARNUM ’13 MAGNOTTI and TREVOR MAGNOTTI ’13, a boy, Carver, on September 18, 2021. 16

KELSEY TUMPANE ’12 OENNING and CONOR OENNING ’12 , a girl, Maeve, on March 29, 2022, weighing 8 lbs., 4 oz., and measuring 22 inches. Maeve joins big sister, Kayleigh, 2.

IN MEMORIAM

(Note: Due to space limitations, only names of alumni and alumni relatives we are informed about are listed.)

WARREN BEAUMAN ’51 of Penney Farms, Fla., on March 20, 2022.

MARGARET EDWARDS ’45 BEHER of Berkley, Mich., on January 28, 2022.

LORRAINE BIANG ’67 of Wauwatosa, Wis., on January 19, 2022.

JUDITH CLASEN ’59 of Chicago, on February 26, 2022.

HAZEL LEPIEN ’47 DAEHLER of Morrison, Ill., on March 18, 2022.

GALE DOSS ’54 of Germany, on April 2, 2022.

MARLYS WENTZ ’62 EISCHEN of Arizona, on February 5, 2022.

BEVERLY ESSER ’51 of Lisle, on May 10, 2022.

NORMA OPPEDAHL ’54 FENNER of Green Bay, Wis., on May 22, 2022.

LAUREL FISHMAN S ’70 of Chicago, on March 21, 2022.

DR. RICHARD FOTH ’52 of St. Charles, Ill., on May 16, 2022.

JEANNE ATKINSON ’89 GARTLAND of Chicago, on May 1, 2022.

RICHARD GAUCH ’52 of Ohio, on February 9, 2022.

ELLIOTT GEORGE ’63 of Davenport, Iowa, on June 28, 2022.

AUDREY SCHREIBER ’54 GRIFALL of Sheboygan, Wis., on May 1, 2022.

STEVEN GROSLAND ’94 of Albert Lea, Minn., on May 1, 2022.

JOAN EBY ’51 HANNAN of Janesville, Wis., on March 1, 2022.

JAMES HARPER ’57 of Culver, Ind., on June 12, 2022.

MICHAEL KOZON ’74 of Maumelle, Ark., on March 17, 2022.

DOUG MANKOWSKI ’07 of Naperville, on February 21, 2022.

ROBERT MARTIN ’54 of Fort Atkinson, Wis., on February 12, 2022.

ROBERT MCNATTIN S ’64 of Minneapolis, Minn., on September 18, 2022.

GORDON MEYER ’62 of Ottawa, Ill., on March 24, 2022.

JOHN MIZANIN ’58 of Yellville, Ark., on June 29, 2022.

JOHN MOLITOR ’60 of Racine, Wis., on May 8, 2022. Survived by spouse, Luann Mielke ’58 Molitor.

ROBERT WILLIAM NELSON ’66 of Michigan, on March 17, 2022.

THERON NOTH ’62 of Tavernier, Fla., on March 8, 2022.

JAMES NURSS ’64 of Naperville, on April 30, 2022.

MARY SAMPSELL ’65 OSBURN of Cary, N.C., on December 1, 2021.

VIRGINIA THEUER ’62 PARKER , of Bellevue, Neb., on October 10, 2022. Survived by spouse, Cmdr. John Parker ’61.

DWIGHT RIEKE ’47 of Rochester, Minn., on April 28, 2022.

ORRELL RUTH ’59 of Schaumburg, Ill., on March 21, 2022.

EMILY SCHILLING ’74 of California, on February 12, 2022.

THOMAS SCHUTZ S’63 of Lisbon, Maine, on March 13, 2022.

ANNETTE LAPELLER ’79 SCOTT of Naperville, on May 3, 2022.

BRIAN SEVERSON ’77, of Frankfort, Ill., on September 18, 2022.

MARY LOUISE MARTIN ’46 SHUPERT of Huntington, Ind., on April 5, 2022.

JENNIFER SINCLAIR ’90 of Oswego, Ill., on April 18, 2022.

EVERETT STAFFELDT ’58 of Farmington, Ill., on June 24, 2022.

WILLIAM STAGG S’64 of Peoria, Ill., on May 1, 2022.

JERRY STELLA ’80 of River Forest, Ill., on May 10, 2022.

ANITA WUERTZ ’54 STRAUSS of La Jolla, Calif., on May 8, 2022.

MARILYN KOELLER ’52 SUNDBY, of Roseville, Minn., on September 6, 2022.

LORRAINE KERCHO ’58 TOEDTER of Staples, Minn., on March 3, 2022.

JANETTE BEAN ’53 VINCENT of Battle Creek, Mich., on January 28, 2022.

ELIZABETH MODDER ’56 WAIER of Soddy Daisy, Texas, on March 9, 2022.

ROBERT WEGELE JR. ’84 of Fond du Lac, Wis., on January 3, 2022.

FAITH SCHWAB ’49 WENDLAND of Topeka, Kan., on March 27, 2022

LU SMITH ’76 WHITMER of Tacoma, Wash., on January 21, 2022.

BARBARA FAIST ’60 ZOPHY of Louisville, Ky., on August 26, 2022.

to the Rev. Dr. Howard Mueller ’58 Alumni Board Scholarship.

Basketball Alumni Hospitality

January 14, 3 p.m.

2 p.m., Cardinal Women vs. Millikin University

4 p.m., Cardinal Men vs. Millikin University

Gregory Arena, Merner Field House Chicago Sinfonietta Salute to Dr. King January 15

MLK Day events January 16

MLK Teach-In 9 a.m. - noon, Wentz Science Center Annual Prayer Luncheon 12:05 - 1:25 p.m., Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center

Tracie Morris ’02 Keynote Speaker Community Service Project 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., various opportunities

IMEA Alumni Reception January 27 Peoria, Ill.

Cardinal Couples Date Nite February 4, 7 - 10 p.m. Elements in downtown Naperville

Baseball Lead-Off Banquet February 5

St. Andrews Golf & Country Club West Chicago, Ill.

Basketball Alumni Hospitality

February 11, 6 p.m.

1 p.m., Men’s Basketball Alumni Game 5 p.m., Cardinal Women vs. Illinois Wesleyan University

Halftime, 40th Anniversary Celebration of 1983 Women’s Basketball National Championship 7 p.m., Cardinal Men vs. Illinois Wesleyan University

Gregory Arena, Merner Field House

34th Annual Gospel Extravaganza February 11, 3 p.m.

Grace United Methodist Church Naperville

Alumni Board Meeting February 18

Feed the Need February 18 - 19 Residence Hall/Recreation Center

8th Annual Day of Giving February 23

Naperville Winter Ale Fest February 25, 12 - 4 p.m. Frontier Park, Naperville

Baseball Barbecue in Florida March Port Charlotte, Fla.

Honors Day/Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research April 20

Commencement Weekend May 4 - 7

“I am so thankful and honored to be the recipient of the Alumni Board Scholarship. It is so exciting, incredible, and meaningful to be able to advocate for the student body in this role. This scholarship has allowed me to focus on my academics and additional leadership positions. It has made such a positive difference in my college experience, and I am so grateful to hold this position.”

- Taylor Bartels ’23, Alumni Board Scholarship winner

NORTH CENTRAL ALUMNI,

It was great seeing so many familiar faces Homecoming Weekend. Thank you to the staff, faculty, students, and of course you, our alumni, who made this year’s event a success.

Being a member of the Alumni Board is a uniquely special way to remain connected to campus as it offers the chance to engage with fellow alumni and work together to make a difference in the lives of our students. Having served as a general member for the last six years, I’m thankful to have witnessed the leadership and commitment of Past President Carli Franks ’05 and the Executive Committee as they worked to transform the board into the organization it is today. I’m excited to continue this work by taking on the role of Alumni Board President this fall.

As we transition leadership, the mission of the Board and our members will remain consistent as we work together to find ways to connect our community, honor the traditions and history of North Central, and inspire our campus to continue its growth and success. However, while the mission will remain the same, you can expect to see new ideas, goals, and engagement opportunities arise in an effort to continue to enhance the board, our impact on North Central, and your experience as alumni. But, to do this, we need your help.

Whether it’s serving on the Alumni Board, hosting an alumni event, or even donating to the Rev. Dr. Howard Mueller ’58 Alumni Board Student Involvement Scholarship, I invite you to join in on the opportunities ahead. No matter your level of involvement, we need your help in continuing the success and impact of the Alumni Board.

Wishing you happy holidays, and a great year ahead.

Connor McGury ’18 / M ’20 President, Alumni Board

Connor McGury ’18 / M ’20, Taylor Bartels ’23, Rev. Dr. Howard Mueller ’58, Patricia Bartels

30 N. Brainard Street

Naperville, IL 60540

North Central’s annual Homecoming football game was played under the new LED lights at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium (p. 6) on October 1. After the Cardinals’ dominant 33-20 victory over CCIW rival Wheaton College, fans were treated to a fireworks display that lit up the night sky.