Spring 2023 North Central College Magazine

Spring 2023

Introducing: Dr. Anita Thomas North Central College’s 11th President

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Introducing Dr. Anita Thomas

We sat down with the President-elect to learn more about her and why she’s thrilled to become the 11th president of North Central College.

10

30 Reasons Why We Love North Central College

In their own words, students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends express why North Central is special to them.

16

Fueling Futures

Students share how the Navistar Emerging Leaders in Engineering Scholarship moves them closer to their dreams.

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Learning by Doing

See how faculty provide unique opportunities for Cardinals to gain valuable real-world experience.

Guest Speaker, 12:5 Service

February 14, 2023

p. 16

READ ON YOUR DEVICE

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

northcentralcollege.edu/ magazine

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

Editorial Director

Kim MacGregor

Graphic Design

Mary Bass M ’21

Steve Evanson

Evanson Design

Contributing Writers/ Production

Valla Coffman ’02 Aguilar

Jeremy Borling ’02

Hannah Brauer

Jacob Imm

Nancy Jensen

Kara Kots ’18

Kelly Murphy

Nick Osterloo ’19/M ’21

Mary Reynolds

Clark Teuscher

Vice President for Communication and Strategic Initiatives; Special Assistant to the President

Jim Godo ’93

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Adrian Aldrich ’02

Please direct all correspondence to: Editorial Director

North Central College 30 N. Brainard Street Naperville, IL 60540 email: oic@noctrl.edu

“Love your friends, your families, your teams, your coaches, your faculty and staff as well as your fellow Cardinals — and show it daily. I have had the joy of being loved by this community in so many ways, and I want nothing more than for that love to thrive and continue here, so let’s work for that together. Because what does love have to do with it, if there is no work behind it?”

ARIANNA JONES ’21

Admissions Cultural Outreach Coordinator

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Cardinal Alumni and Friends:

Over the last 10 months, I have fallen in love with North Central College — the mission, the people and the future possibilities. So, as my interim year comes to an end, it would be difficult to let go if not for the fact that I have great confidence in the person of Presidentelect Anita Thomas. Together, we promise you a smooth and hopeful transition in leadership.

This magazine begins to introduce you to Dr. Thomas — the administrator, scholar, teacher and clinician. I encourage you to read beyond her substantial credentials, however, to see the joy expressed by students, faculty and staff in response to her appointment. Campus enthusiasm has been immediate, wholehearted and contagious. I cannot wait for you to meet her!

In the meantime, let me note a few other magazine highlights. There is good academic balance in this issue, showcasing the range of North

Central disciplines and pedagogies. Regarding athletics, it is hard not to be proud of three national championships — in triathlon, football and women’s wrestling! And, clearly, I am not the only one who loves North Central College — as quotes from students, faculty, staff and alumni demonstrate.

By the time you receive this issue, we will have celebrated Commencement, and we hope to be well into recruiting students for our new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program — which is slated to launch this fall, pending Higher Learning Commission (HLC) approval. By August, construction will be underway on a new parking pavilion on the south end of campus. There is no better way to welcome a new president than with a busy summer!

It has been my joy to share this year with you. Go Cardinals!

Donna

Donna M. Carroll Interim President

It has been my joy to share this year with you. Go Cardinals!”

DAY OF GIVING 2023

Thank you

to the 2,500 donors who made a gift to #ImpactNC! Your generous contributions totaled in support of our students.

$698199

Day

of Giving 2023 Stats: 32.4% increase in total dollars over 2022

667 new donors in 2023

The class of 1967 led with gifts totaling $41,696

Women’s Soccer led the athletics leaderboard with $53,987

GOVERNANCE

Holly J. Humphrey, MD ’79 Becomes New Board Chair

She is the first woman to lead North Central College’s Board of Trustees

On Jan. 1, 2023, Holly J. Humphrey, MD ’79 began her tenure as the new chair of the North Central College Board of Trustees.

Dr. Humphrey is the first woman to serve in that role. Regarding her milestone appointment, she is reflective about the College’s original mission. “In 1861, the founding resolution to create North Central read: ‘This College will be for male and for female students.’ At the time, it was unusual for women in the U.S. to be enrolled in college, particularly in a coeducational setting,” Humphrey said.

“From the very beginning, North Central has been a leader as an institution, creating opportunity for all.”

Those same values have been at the root of Humphrey’s long career in medical education leadership. She is president of the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, which supports initiatives that improve

education for medical students, allied health students, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals. She is also the Ralph W. Gerard Professor in Medicine Emerita at the University of Chicago. She served for 30 years in various faculty and leadership roles at the university, most recently as the dean for medical education. Graduating medical students at the University of Chicago selected her for the institution’s Gender Equity Award on five occasions. She was the recipient of the Favorite Faculty Teaching Award more than 25 times.

Humphrey is a proud alumnus of North Central, where she earned an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry. “North Central College catalyzed my career in medicine by building a strong foundation in the liberal

arts,” she said. Humphrey then earned her medical degree from the University of Chicago, where she completed an internal medicine residency and a pulmonary and critical care fellowship.

Humphrey’s favorite building on the North Central campus is the Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center. To this day, she appreciates that, as a student, she was able to perform with the College orchestra without being a music major.

“The combination of a strong liberal arts faculty and opportunities in the fine arts and athletics was unparalleled,” she said. During her time at North Central, Humphrey met her husband, Duane Follman, MD’79. Humphrey is a recipient of the North Central College Outstanding Alumni Award, and she has served as a trustee on North Central’s board since 2004.

North Central College catalyzed my career in medicine by building a strong foundation in the liberal arts.”

Doctor of Physical Therapy Granted Accreditation, Welcomes First Cohort

In January, North Central’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program welcomed its first cohort, a total of 48 students, after it was granted its Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) in the fall.

“This moment has been much anticipated for a very long time,” said Dr. Sara Scholtes, the program’s founding director and professor and chair of the department of physical therapy.

Housed within the College’s Dr. Myron Wentz Center for Health Sciences and Engineering, the program was announced in January 2022. The curriculum spans 28 months and is competency focused, being the only pass/no pass program of its kind offered in Illinois. The focus is on mastery

ARTS & SCIENCES NEW HOME, NEW GRANT FOR SHIMER GREAT BOOKS SCHOOL

Now settled in at its new location, 5 S. Loomis St., the Shimer Great Books School recently hosted an open house with Shimer alum Dr. Michael Weinman’98 and Dr. Aron Dunlap, assistant professor of liberal arts, discussing Weinman’s latest book. Also, Dr. Stuart Patterson, chair of the Shimer Great Books School, has secured a new Knowledge for Freedom implementation grant from the Teagle Foundation to support the Civic Humanities Project, including a residential humanities summer camp for high school students from underserved communities.

READ MORE ONLINE

of knowledge, critical thinking and skill acquisition to prepare students for a high-demand degree and career path, while meeting the current and future health care needs in the community.

“Our DPT offering joins a growing roster of graduate clinical programs. North Central has established a model for designing distinctive health sciences programs, rooted in the liberal arts tradition, that tackle broad societal issues, while at the same time addressing the unique needs of the communities in which we live and work,” said Dr. Marci J. Swede, dean of the School of Education and Health Sciences.

BUSINESS MBA PROGRAM NAMED AMONG “BEST ONLINE PROGRAMS”

For the first time, North Central College’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has been ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online MBA Programs for 2023. The online MBA is a 12-course (36 credit hours) degree program that can be completed in as little as a year, during which students learn how to strategically manage highperformance teams and solve real-world business challenges.

Scholtes said that vision is what attracted the first cohort. “They are very passionate individuals who want to be part of our program’s distinct mission and vision and contribute to the physical therapy field in the future.”

ENROLLMENT INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

To help make higher education more affordable and accessible, North Central has partnered with TheDream.US to provide scholarships for undocumented students from Illinois. The scholarships aim to address financial barriers such as lack of access to federal or state financial aid and higher, out-of-state tuition rates based on immigration status.

“I am proud and delighted that North Central College has partnered with TheDream.US to support academic opportunities for undocumented students,” said Interim President Donna M. Carroll. “This is a moral leadership moment for the College in the context of its Methodist mission.”

You can find expanded coverage of these stories and other news by visiting the College website. northcentralcollege.edu/news

Dr. Anita Thomas

Meet North Central’s 11th President

Dr. Thomas is an inspiring and proven leader whose values are aligned with North Central College’s mission to prepare students to become curious and engaged citizens and leaders in their communities.”

HOLLY HUMPHREY, MD ’79 Chair, North Central College Board of Trustees

A half-hour before the start of the program, Anita Thomas, Ph.D., couldn’t wait in the wings any longer. She wanted to mingle. Soon she appeared in the lobby, saying hello to delighted students, faculty, staff, alumni and North Central friends.

Dr. Thomas is eager to connect with the Cardinal community. From the warm welcome she has received, it’s clear there is excitement around her historic appointment as the first woman and first person of color to lead the College.

On the morning of March 21, 2023, a crowd gathered at Wentz Concert Hall to learn who would be the new president of North Central College.

The President-elect

We sat down to learn more about Dr. Thomas — and why she is excited to officially begin on July 1, 2023.

Q: What initially attracted you to the opportunity of becoming North Central’s 11th president?

A: There are a number of things, but most of all the strength of the College and its reputation, its embeddedness within the Naperville community, and the host of alumni who are making changes in the world are factors that made this an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Q: What have you learned so far about the Cardinal family?

A: The sense of community is really strong here. I had the opportunity to go through three rounds of interviews, where I met students, faculty, staff, members of the community, and the Board of Trustees. The universal answer to the question “What makes North Central great?” was that sense of community and family.

Q: What perspectives will your previous experiences in higher education provide to you in your role as president?

A: I’m a faculty member at heart. I’m so inspired by young people who bring

their hopes and dreams to college to be launched, and by the awesome responsibility that faculty get to have in the classroom to help students find their career paths.

I’ve had a very traditional academic leadership trajectory, so I understand the challenges of being on the front line with students and faculty as a department chair. Serving as a dean helped me see the broader administrative perspective. Then, serving as a provost and chief academic officer has really helped me, not only to better understand academics, but to think about the role of academics within the larger organization. I will bring all these lenses and perspectives with me as I step into this next role.

Q: How does your perspective as a psychologist influence you as a leader?

A: It helps me understand human dynamics and group relationships. My research was focused on identity and diversity, so I have a good sense of the developmental process and how important it is for all of us to learn about

PATH TO THE PRESIDENCY

who we are as individuals, as well as about each other and how to connect. As we produce great leaders to go out into the world, the ability to understand diversity, embrace differences and engage with each other is critically important.

Q: You come from a family of educators. How has this influenced you?

A: Growing up, they impressed on us how important education is in helping individuals discover themselves as they prepare to launch into the world and how education impacts communities and changes lives.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your family.

A: I have 17-year-old twins, Bethany and Benjamin, and we’re looking forward to being back in the Chicagoland area.

Q: What are some of your priorities as you prepare for your tenure as president?

A: I hope the transition period includes a lot of listening, discovery and opportunities to start connecting with people and building relationships.

Dr. Thomas is a mission-driven leader, researcher, educator and psychologist.

Education

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology

M.Ed. in Community Counseling

Loyola University Chicago

B.S. in Education & Social Policy

Northwestern University

Experience

Executive Vice President & Provost

St. Catherine University

Founding Dean, College of Applied Behavioral Sciences

University of Indianapolis

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Research

School of Education, Loyola University Chicago

Associate Professor & Graduate Program Director for Counseling Psychology, Loyola University Chicago

Associate Professor & Department Chair

Northeastern Illinois University

Looking on as Dr. Thomas addressed the audience at Wentz Concert Hall were North Central Board Chair Holly Humphrey, MD ’79 (left) and Trustee Kathy Birkett (right). In her welcome, Dr. Birkett thanked the Presidential Search Committee, which she chaired. Dr. Humphrey spoke to the historic significance of the day and thanked Dr. Donna Carroll, interim president, for her service and leadership.

We have a lot of work to do together. I want to ask you to pledge to walk alongside me, as we endeavor in that work.”

DR. ANITA THOMAS President-elect, North Central College

30 Reasons

It’s the first line in our alma mater: “North Central is the school we love.”

Since this is a campus community that values critical thinking, we asked: Why? Why is North Central the school we love?

The answers are as unique as the students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who responded.

What’s YOUR reason?

1

“I love North Central because it changed my life forever by introducing me to new ideas, new experiences, new friends.”

BETTY KIRCHDORFER ’60 PLUM

2

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without North Central. I was cripplingly shy and lacked confidence at 18. It wasn’t an immediate change, but the professors and the friends I met got me out of my shell and into the world.”

LAURA LINDE ’04

“With support from people, professors and resources, I have gotten help obtaining employment with Deloitte in Chicago, which I will be joining upon graduation. I couldn’t have gotten to this point in both my academic and professional career without North Central, and for that I am eternally grateful.”

3

ADRIANNA GONZALEZ ’23

4

“A haiku says it best: I met my best friend! Volleyball, Caps and Kimmel NCC shaped me!”

KIMMI HODGES ’91

5

“The true strength of North Central lies within the community of alumni, friends, parents, trustees, faculty and simply the many admirers of what the College is today. Whatever the reason you love this school, we all became part of something bigger when we joined the North Central family, and we gained an opportunity to pay it forward to others by helping to make our overall College community even better.”

NICHOLAS “NICK” ZEC JR. ’81

“I love working with my students — when I feel their passion and curiosity. You can see their eyes are sparkling when they want to learn and become a better person. They are curious about Chinese culture, people and society, and more important, how to connect to their understanding about China with the current international relationship and news, so that they are able to be better informed and engaged with the community and the world.”

6

DR. JINAI SUN

Associate Professor of Chinese

7

“I love North Central because of the homey feel of the campus, the opportunities for involvement, and all the friends I’ve made throughout my time here thus far.”

BRIANNA ELOIZA ’26

8

“I met loving, lifetime (70+ years!) friends. We called ourselves the Silent Six, because we were not silent! We share beautiful memories of living together on the top floor of Kroehler House as seniors.”

ANTOINETTE VOTAVA ’54

9

“As soon as I stepped foot on campus as a transfer student, I felt so welcomed by my peers and the faculty. There is no doubt that everyone wants to see you succeed and will try, to the best of their abilities, to help you see that success.”

OLIVIA ROSENBERG ’25

10

“The intimacy of the campus has resulted in lifelong friendships, and the professor/student ratio allowed me to be directly affected and influenced in my own career in education. North Central is special. It owns a place in my heart.”

MARY ORAN ’63

“I love North Central because it continues to provide me with opportunities for growth. From being an undergraduate student, a graduate student, and now a full-time staff member, I have come full circle, and North Central continues to empower me to spread my wings!”

11

RACHEL BIRKLEY

’18

/ M ’21 Associate Director, Education Abroad

14

12

“I love North Central because of all the connections made with professors. It led me to step out of my comfort zone and give anything a go, from joining clubs to studying abroad.”

“When I first visited North Central, it reminded me of my small hometown. The philosophy was also a fit, with a focus on student success mentally, physically and also spiritually. Since my values matched those of the College, I could live outwardly what I felt deeply inside.”

AL CARIUS (H) ’16

Former Head Coach, Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field

“I love North Central because it allows me the environment to nurture different parts of myself. For example, I can get professional experience like working with real world clients in Design Agency. In the same breath, I get to continue my athletic career at a top Division III volleyball program.”

15

AUSTIN SCOTT ’25

16

“North Central gave me the educational and social tools to live a productive and fulfilling life. The enduring friendships forged during those years are lasting treasures.”

MARILEE HANSON ’62

17

13

“I love North Central because the staff and people behind the physician assistant program haven’t just taught me anatomy and physiology — they’ve taught me how to make people feel like family. The curriculum is intense and strenuous, but there was always a hand reaching out to help. Often it was Dr. (Timothy) Woods. His compassion, words of wisdom, and teaching abilities are major reasons why I’ve continued into my second year and feel confident in my abilities as a future provider.”

“I love North Central because we rally! We support our colleagues and our students in times of need. I have seen so many examples of it through my time at the College. I’m grateful to be a part of a community that comes together to help others.”

SHELLY GALASSO ’05

Director, Office of Sponsored Research & Programs

18

“North Central is the place where I met my best friends — on the first floor of Rall Hall! We’ve been in each other’s weddings and have an unbreakable connection. I feel so blessed I was able to meet friends that are more like family.”

LAUREN BEDWELL ’13

19

“While North Central is forward thinking, it remains rooted in tradition. There is something about driving through Naperville and seeing Old Main that gives me a sense of legacy and pride. It is a school focused on making an impact not only on students, but the community as well.”

KAYLIN RISVOLD M ’19

President and CEO, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce

20

“We love North Central because our church connection brought us from small towns to a small liberal arts college that engaged our hearts and minds in the large world of the turbulent ’60s.”

TOM ’69 & MARY PEOPLES ’70 BABLER

“I love that I really get to know students. I enjoy learning about their goals and building positive rapport, camaraderie, and a sense of community and belonging in my classroom, which is essential to our campus and the learning environment.”

21

JENNA POTOKAR

Adjunct Instructor, Professor of Marketing

22

“I love North Central College because Shimer College now has a great home on its campus. Shimer was a wonderful experience for me, and I appreciate that Shimer Great Books School has found its place at North Central.”

ROGER BURKE S ’57

MILICA GLISOVIC ’24

BRYCE DUNLAP M ’23

23

“North Central is the school I love because of the people. The professors and friends that I have met through transferring have made me feel like I can be myself, and they encourage me to seek out the resources and opportunities that NC offers.”

ABBY HOHMAN ’23

“North Central is where we met each other and began our almost 50-year journey together, plus made a number of lifelong friendships.”

24

JACK ’71 & JOANNE MARTH ’72 ZENTZ 25

“Through the highs and lows of campus experiences, our Cardinal family simply wants what is best for our students, faculty and staff. We may not always agree on how we get there, but I truly feel those who call North Central home believe in doing what’s best for our students and believe every day is a GREAT day to be a Cardinal!”

JARED BOGAN M ’10

Major Gift

Officer 26

“I love North Central because of the people I have met, the experiences I have had, and the friends I have made!”

HANNAH KIRBY ’23

27

“Not only did I meet my husband at North Central, but the supportive community challenged me to be the best version of myself. I had endless opportunities to develop my knowledge and skills, pursue my passion, engage with brilliant faculty who cared — not only about my learning, but me as a person — and to be a part of dynamic student organizations and activities and opportunities to practice the knowledge I was gaining in classes. I’m thankful for all North Central has given me and so many others.”

KATHY GUTHRIE ’98 28

“I love North Central because the professors are so willing to go above and beyond to support students and connect them with resources.”

STEPHANIE HOGAN ’23

29

“North Central is the school I love because of the truly remarkable students I’ve had the honor of knowing and accompanying on their journey to a college degree — even keeping in touch years later. I also love and appreciate the many colleagues who’ve become true friends and the mentors and leaders who were instrumental in my professional growth and opportunities.”

JULIE CARBALLO

Assistant Dean for First-Generation, Transfer and Veteran Initiatives 30

“At North Central, everybody is a part of the Cardinal family. I transferred in, not knowing anybody, and I left with a group of lifelong friends, established relationships with faculty that still exist today, and had the opportunity to give back to the community and school in a variety of ways. Just walking down the Spine to class, you have the chance to know everybody you pass on a first-name basis. The people make North Central the wonderful school it is today and will continue to be!”

CHRISTOPHER SACCO ’18

SEEN & HEARD

In the College’s first full academic year with live performances since March 2020, North Central’s student musicians, actors and other artists have stepped back into the spotlight. Their talents have brought us together again to be entertained and inspired.

The

Students performing during Homecoming 2022.

Susan Chou Photography

Susan Chou Photography

Zoie Morack Photography

Clockwise from left:

The Department of Theatre presented the musical “Next to Normal” during the fall 2022 semester.

North Central College Chamber Orchestra in concert during the fall 2022 semester.

“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”

― ARISTOTLE

SEEN & HEARD

Clockwise from left: Students perform “Witch” during the fall 2022 semester.

The annual “Explore the Sound” concert featured the concert choir, women’s chorale, chamber singers, and guest instrumentalists.

Dancers take the stage for “Connections: A Devised Dance Production.”

The marching band takes the field for their halftime performance during the Homecoming 2022 football game.

Susan Chou Photography

Susan Chou Photography

Zoie Morack

Photography

Dyanna Daniels

Fueling Futures

Navistar partners with the College to provide scholarships for underrepresented engineering students

Joel told his mom. Stephany told her parents. Stella told her “mum” and her roommate.

One by one, a group of North Central students learned they would be part of the first cohort to receive a Navistar Emerging Leaders in Engineering Scholarship. Their dream of pursuing a career in engineering was suddenly more attainable.

Based in neighboring Lisle, Navistar, Inc. is a leading international maker of commercial trucks, buses, engines and service parts. The company has committed $750,000 over five years to be allocated primarily through scholarships to underrepresented engineering students who attend North Central.

Established in 2018, the College’s undergraduate engineering program offers majors in computer, mechanical and electrical engineering. A founding commitment was to disrupt national trends with respect to graduating engineers from underserved communities, in addition to producing engineers who will change the world and be prepared to adapt to new challenges throughout their careers.

“Navistar appreciates the way North Central College is preparing engineers for the 21st century,” said Dr. Stephen Maynard Caliendo, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “From the beginning, they have supported our liberal arts-based approach, because they understand the need for highly trained

“Navistar and North Central College are focused on student success by providing both the teaching and real-world experiences necessary for success in engineering today,” said Frank Harwath, professor and chair of the mechanical and electrical engineering department.

“Navistar and North Central College are focused on student success by providing both the teaching and real-world experiences necessary for success in engineering today.”

Frank Harwath, professor and chair, the mechanical and electrical engineering department

professionals who are technically skilled and prepared to offer leadership through cultural competence, teamwork, and excellent written and oral communication skills.”

The scholarship program is one part of the Engineering in Education 4.0 Partnership between the College and Navistar. A second component is the launch of the Navistar Integrated Manufacturing Center, a simulated work environment within North Central’s Dr. Myron Wentz Center for Health Sciences and Engineering.

The collaboration is an example of how the College’s location along the DuPage County I-88 corridor positions students near career opportunities. Several North Central students have also interned at Navistar facilities.

“Navistar is committed to supporting access to STEM education,” said Catrina Mitchell, engineering director, Navistar. “It is so important for us to help the next generation of engineers in order to achieve our vision to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility.”

What the Scholarship Means to Students

These students are benefitting from the innovative partnership between North Central and Navistar. Whether from small Illinois towns or as far away as Colombia and Uganda, they represent the next generation of engineers.

“The first people I told about receiving the Navistar Emerging Leader Scholarship were my parents. I was so overjoyed that I just had to let them know. They are always there for me, so they were the first people I could think of. Someday, I hope to encourage other Hispanic students to get into engineering.”

STEPHANY NAVARRO ’25

“As a first-generation student, I know that college is a big financial burden for many, and this scholarship means I’m able to attend North Central and proceed with my higher education as planned. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a career in the manufacturing processes and work for a company like Navistar.”

SANDRA MARQUEZ ’23

“The scholarship means a lot to me because it allows me to devote all of my time to doing my best as an engineering student and as a student-athlete. I dream of being an entrepreneur and creating my own product in the future. However, immediately after college, I hope to obtain a stable job at a company that is a leader in innovation and is environmentally responsible.”

LUKE ZOBRIST ’24

“As an international student — originally from Bogota, Colombia — this scholarship allows me to focus on my studies knowing the tuition portion is covered. The first person I told I received the scholarship was my mom, as she’s been an incredible support throughout my educational journey.”

JOEL FORERO MEJIA ’25

“This scholarship symbolizes someone’s trust in me and my dream to become a mechanical engineer as a Black girl. The first people I told that I received the award were my mum and my roommate. I knew they would be more than happy to celebrate that achievement with me.”

STELLA NAKAZZI ’25

“Through the Navistar scholarship, I hope to expand my network in the engineering world — learning the ins and outs of the industry and allowing me to one day be an employee there myself. I aspire to work with cars and electronics, and this scholarship is the starting place on my road to future success.”

EUGENE KALIN ’26

From left: Stephany Navarro ’25, Sandra Marquez ’23, Luke Zobrist ’24, Joel Forero Meja ’25, Stella Nakazzi ’25, and Eugene Kalin ’25.

Opposite page: Frank Harwath, professor and chair of the mechanical and electrical engineering department, with students in the Navistar Integrated Manufacturing Center at North Central.

Learning by Doing

Engaged learning is a key component of a North Central College education, regardless of major. Undergraduate research projects and service to the community are examples of opportunities that enable students to apply their knowledge and skills outside the classroom, often in collaboration with peers and faculty.

Mentored undergraduate research

Known to students primarily as a professor of German, Dr. Gregory Wolf has another interest beyond his language classes: He is an authority on baseball’s influence and history.

Last academic year, Wolf selected Victoria Monte ’24 to assist with his research for the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), a membership organization focused on the intersection of baseball, history, culture and analytics. Monte is majoring in sport management. “From her writing, critical thinking and class participation, I thought Victoria would be an excellent candidate to collaborate on research focusing specifically on baseball and society,” he said.

Their academic writing project culminated in three peer-edited, fact-checked and copyedited essays that Wolf and Monte co-authored and SABR published last year. Each essay is about the Chicago Cubs in

the 1960s. “It was fun to research. I’m from New York, but I’m a Chicago sports fan,” said Monte. “To become a published author as an undergraduate, while connecting two things I love — sports and academia — was a pretty incredible experience.”

and responding directly to feedback from peers who reviewed their work. Wolf said, “As the director of undergraduate research, I believe students in all disciplines should have the chance to collaborate with faculty members on mentored undergraduate research

To become a published author as an undergraduate, while connecting two things I love sports and academia was a pretty incredible experience.”

Wolf was also Monte’s advisor for a presentation about the cultural footprint of Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees. She will present her findings on the Yankees at the 2023 National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Monte collaborated with Wolf on researching subjects and writing, revising,

and scholarship. These opportunities enrich the students’ educational experience, prepare them professionally and academically for their career, develop real-life transferable skills and cultivate a deeper understanding of their disciplines.”

VICTORIA MONTE ’24

During the height of tax season, a group of North Central students spent their Saturdays volunteering at a community center where low- and moderate-income individuals and families can walk in — without an appointment — and get free, expert help with completing and filing their tax returns.

The students work to help each client claim every tax credit, deduction and benefit they are eligible to receive. Doing so helps maximize the client’s tax refund — often the single biggest check they will receive all year. The refund can make it possible to catch up on rent, get car repairs, pay medical bills or cover other necessities.

“Once they hear the refund amount, you can see happiness in the clients’ faces,” said Karen Campbell, CPA, a half-time assistant professor of accounting in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship. “That total is really important to their finances.”

North Central participates in the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Studentvolunteers receive training and must pass a test to be certified as tax preparation experts. For the 2023 tax season, 26 North Central students were certified. Assisting with the training process is John Mann, who serves on the advisory board for Ladder Up. The nonprofit organization provides free tax preparation services at sites throughout the Chicago area. Mann became involved with Ladder Up when his sons, Peter ’14 and Alex ’14, were accounting and finance majors at North Central. Now retired after a career in public accounting and corporate finance, he says the volunteer experience is invaluable. “Students gain experience acting in a client-facing role,” he said. “They also network with other volunteers at the community sites, including career professionals from accounting and legal firms.”

The opportunity to help with tax preparation is open to all majors, though most of the student-volunteers are accounting majors who have taken Campbell’s course ACCT 330 Principles of Taxation. That is the case for Molly Whitlock ’23, president of the North Central Student Accounting Society, which encourages students to volunteer with Ladder Up.

“This experience will not only help them grow as people, but they also will have something to talk about in interviews — gaining one-on-one client experience, working with a team and being able to apply your training to have an impact on the community,” Whitlock said.

Campbell stresses that the last benefit is most important. “We want students to realize that, as accountants, they have a skill that can help other people and directly impact someone’s life. Volunteers learn so much more than how to file a tax return. It’s a way to really give back — to be a force for good.”

Far right: Adrianna Gonzalez '23 with clients at a tax preparation site in Plainfield, Ill. Senior citizens are often among those who seek help completing and filing their tax returns.

Adrian Brown ’22 Named 2022 Lincoln Laureate

The neuroscience major wants to better humanity

Leadership, advocacy and devotion to creating opportunities for minoritized communities are the distinguishing characteristics that made Adrian Brown ’22 North Central College’s 2022 Lincoln Laureate. Brown, who majored in behavioral neuroscience, transferred to North Central in 2021 and completed his studies in the fall 2022 semester.

Each year, one outstanding senior is chosen from each of the four-year, degree-granting undergraduate institutions in the state of Illinois. Award recipients embody “leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and … overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.”

A first-generation college student, Brown worked full-time in restaurants while pursuing his degree. He conducted extensive research with Dr. Maggie Gill, associate professor of neuroscience, thanks primarily to the Promotion of Underrepresented Minorities in STEM (PUMA-STEM) program, funded by the National Science Foundation. Gill said Brown “took on lab research with fervor.” Along with fellow student McKenzie Linden ’23, he presented a study titled “Impact of Differential Rearing on Cocaine Addiction” during the 2022 Rall Symposium.

Beyond his studies, Brown is an active citizen. He served as president of North Central’s Neuroscience Club,

taking great strides to build the organization. He has also collaborated with the Psychology Club, and he helped coordinate study sessions to assist fellow Cardinal First members in obtaining U.S. citizenship. “I felt a sense of duty when helping them and appreciated when they would give the biggest smile and thank me,” he said. Brown’s immediate future is already taking shape. He and a friend are working on an ambitious project to open a community center in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago.

Brown has also secured a position at Rush University working as a neuroscience lab technician and studying the effects of Parkinson’s disease. He has applied to graduate programs with the goal of getting a Ph.D. in neuroscience.

Brown credits his North Central professors and classmates with helping him succeed. “Whenever I needed support, I could turn to my classmates and professors,” he said. “I will always appreciate the professors sharing experiences from their career paths, whether about struggles or achievements. They have been so caring, welcoming and warm. I’ll never forget that feeling. It made me happier walking through North Central College every day.”

Whenever I needed support, I could turn to my classmates and professors. I will always appreciate the professors sharing experiences from their career paths, whether about struggles or achievements.”

ADRIAN BROWN ’22

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chaplain Eric Doolittle serves to connect people with their faith life. While he comes from a multi-generation United Methodist family, he has helped people from Atheists to Zoroastrians as they explore the deeper implications of their faith on vocation, purpose and meaning. As chaplain of the College, Rev. Doolittle also connects both the College and Naperville community to a wide variety of faith and justice advocacy resources. He can be reached at eldoolittle@noctrl.edu

Hike Your Hike

Life lessons from the trail

By Eric Doolittle, North Central College Chaplain

I realized my Appalachian Trail throughhike was over while crossing a dirt road in the forest between Killington, Vt., and Stanford, N.H. My knee and hip were failing, and it would be 10 trail miles before we came to a paved road. If I followed the dirt road out, it would be three level miles downhill. My son, Matthew, who had invited me on this bucket list adventure, was still behind me. I liked an early start, but he would always catch up. A 15-mile day was normal for him, and it was obvious that I was slowing him down.

Sitting by that road, I took off the silicone wedding ring bought for the trip. It was embossed with a pointed question: “Why are you doing this?” That was supposed to encourage me, but now it flummoxed me. For two weeks, as my body was wearing down, the answer had been: “To support my son’s journey and enjoy the outdoors.” Hiking had become a chore. Every climb

sparked complaints and every rest fostered guilt. I was failing to enjoy myself and to support him. I needed to get out of the way.

When Matthew arrived, I told him I was turning down the road. He was supportive and understanding, reminding me of the ubiquitous trail wisdom “Hike your hike, Dad.” Do what you need to do. Follow your path for what you need. He followed the trail with some new friends, and I went down the dirt road.

Failing is hard. Society says giving up is the worst option. But when we recognize that the path ahead is closed, we can look around and find the whole world is now open to us. Failing a class might be the sign to change majors. Ending a harmful relationship opens us to self-care. Injuries let us accept help. Sometimes life makes the wrong path very obvious, so we can find the right one.

Failing the Appalachian Trail — also known as “the AT” — reminded me why I love my work. A chaplain guides people on the journey of life. We offer possible routes through the wilderness of college. Walk alongside people who are struggling. Offer care and comfort to those who are hurting. Call in help when the trail is too hard and obstacles need clearing. Why do I do this? Because I want everyone to be able to find their path and to hike their hike.

Back in Vermont, when the trail met the paved road, Matthew left the AT, too. He decided that his goal wasn’t to finish that hike, but to spend time exploring nature with his father. His hike — our hike — for the next five months led us through 39 national parks all over the country. We failed the Appalachian Trail but succeeded in hiking our hike.

3 NATIONAL TITLES 4 IN MONTHS

FOOTBALL: CHAMPIONS AGAIN

By car, bus and plane, thousands of North Central faithful traveled to Annapolis, Md., and poured into Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Dec. 17, 2022, to cheer on their Cardinals. They left elated. In the program’s third consecutive Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl appearance, North Central beat the University of Mount Union, 28-21, to cap a perfect 15-0 season and win the team’s second NCAA Division III national championship.

At the helm was first-year head coach Brad Spencer ’04, in his 19th year on staff. At the post-game press conference, Spencer addressed more than just winning titles. He said: “I’m most proud of our coaching staff and our players believing in being All-American fathers, husbands and teammates and allowing themselves to compete for championships on and off the field.”

Season of Superlatives

• Fewest points allowed per game (6.7) of any DIII team.

• Held 11 of 15 opponents to single digits and completed five shutouts.

• Set a new all-time DIII single-season record for rushing yards (5,318).

• Ranked first nationally in scoring offense (52.4 points), scoring defense (6.7 points allowed) and total offense (541.5 yards) per game.

• During the title game, DeAngelo Hardy ’24 set a new record with his 94-yard touchdown — the longest scoring play in program history.

Ethan Greenfield ’22 won the Gagliardi Trophy, the premier individual award in DIII college football. He led the nation in rushing yards (1,997) for the third straight season and ranks fifth in DIII history, with 6,679 career yards. He is fourth all-time in touchdowns (95) and total points (570) and 10th in all-purpose yards (7,681).

A 4 TH TITLE FOR TRIATHLON

Only 40 schools across all three NCAA divisions nationwide have women competing in triathlon. North Central is one of them, and it is among the most dominant. On Nov. 12, 2022, in Tempe, Ariz., the Cardinals capped an undefeated 2022 season by winning the program’s fourth USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championship.

Besides the team win, Hailey Poe ’25 ran away with the individual title for the second consecutive year, making her a two-time All-American. She finished the race — a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike, and 5K run — in one hour, 10 minutes, and 47.6 seconds. Poe beat the rest of the field by nearly four minutes. All seven Cardinals placed in the top 27 out of 56 DIII athletes. Joining Poe as All-Americans were Scarlett Schuth ’25 (fourth), Bethany Smeed ’26 (fifth) and Charlotte Kumler ’25 (seventh). Smeed was named 2022 Freshman of the Year, the first true freshman across the national finish line.

Averi Lewis, first-year head coach, says it was a true team effort. “Each of our athletes at nationals had their best race of the season. We couldn’t be happier.”

In March, the City of Naperville honored the team with a special proclamation that coincided with the year-long commemoration of 50 years since the passage of Title IX.

Timeout with Hailey Poe ’25

Major: Ethical Leadership and Sport Management

Hometown: Bridgeville, Pa.

In addition to being a student-athlete, Hailey Poe ’25 is vice president of the Student Athlete Advisory Council, a member of the Orientation Staff, and a First-Year Mentor. She is also a volunteer, both with Special Olympics and as a campus captain for North Central’s chapter of The Hidden Opponent, an organization that raises awareness about student-athlete mental health.

How did you find the sport of triathlon?

When I was 7, I entered a youth triathlon. I swam, rode my Barbie bike, and ran. I finished second to last, but it was fun. I did it again the next year and the next. I did get a better bike! In fact, when I was 10, my parents bought a bike shop. In high school I was on the swim team, and I ran cross country and track.

Why did you choose North Central?

I was drawn to the ethical leadership major. I took leadership studies in high school and was involved in student government. I want to bring leadership studies into sports. And North Central had a triathlon team, so I visited, and it was a great experience.

What are your goals as an athlete?

I want to have fun and prove that DIII isn’t less competitive. I want to repeat as much as possible as a national champion and always have a teammate on the podium with me. Finish line hugs are better than anything in the world.

(Top photo from left to right): Assistant coach Grace Miller’20, Scarlett Schuth’25, Taylin Lemke’25, Bethany Smeed ’26, Natalie Grolmes’23, Hailey Poe’25, Abigail Anderson ’25, Charlotte Kumler ’25, and head coach Averi Lewis.

(Left): Hailey Poe on her way to being a two-time national champion. Athletics continued on next page.

WOMEN’S WRESTLING MAKES HISTORY

On March 4, 2023, North Central’s women’s wrestling team claimed its first-ever national title, prevailing after two days of competition among a field of 37 teams at the NCAA Division III National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Cardinals posted a staggering 198 points, outscoring runner-up King University by 35 points. North Central set a program record for All-Americans with 15, and three Cardinals won national titles in their respective weight classes:

• Yelena Makoyed ’23 claimed the 170-pound crown, becoming the first Cardinal in history to earn three national titles and earn All-American status for the fourth straight year.

• In the 101-pound weight class, Maddie Avila ’26 became the second Cardinal in program history to win a national championship. The freshman also earned All-American honors.

• In the 116-pound weight class, Jaslynn Gallegos ’24 won her first national title and earned All-American honors for the fourth time in her career.

Following the tournament, Makoyed was named Most Outstanding Wrestler. She also earned the Manuel Gorriaran Award for most falls in the least amount of time, tallying four pins in seven minutes and 48 seconds. Makoyed said, “Out of all the wins that I have, nothing has compared to the connections and memories that I have made.”

Head coach Joe Norton’10 / M ’12 was named the National Tournament Coach of the Year for the second-straight year. He said, “It was a goal we set when we created the program. It is a relief that we got to this point. We put a lot of effort into our women, and we are glad that their hard work has paid off.”

The Cardinals finished the season with a dominant 15-1 dual meet record while claiming titles at the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) and the NCWWC Region IV Championships.

Support Women’s Sports at North Central

The NCAA’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX concludes in April 2023, and North Central recently marked 100 years of women in sports. Support North Central’s current and future female student-athletes by giving to our Women in Sports fund. Your donation will help meet capital, programming and other needs for our varsity programs for women.

To make your gift, visit northcentralcollege.edu/ womens-sports-legacy or call 1-800-611-1861, ext. 5211.

“Out of all the wins that I have, nothing has compared to the connections and memories that I have made with my team.”

YELENA MAKOYED ’23

Fall Season HIGHLIGHTS

Women’s tennis goes undefeated for third straight year

ALL-ACADEMIC STREAK CONTINUES FOR WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

The women’s cross country team was named a United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team for the 18th straight season last fall, achieving a 3.675 team grade-point average. The Cardinals placed second in the CCIW Championship and 10th in the Division III Midwest Region Championship.

Historic season for men’s soccer

Completing a third straight unbeaten run through its CCIW regular-season schedule, the North Central women’s tennis team won the conference regular-season title as part of a perfect 13-0 fall campaign. Head coach Ryan Jump, whose team has won 24 consecutive CCIW dual matches, was voted the conference’s Coach of the Year for the third straight campaign, and two-time CCIW Student-Athlete of the Year Kaeli Smashey ’24 earned First Team All-CCIW honors for the third time.

WOMEN’S GOLF IMPROVES TO FINISH FIFTH AT CONFERENCE

In its first season under head coach Alyssa Gaudio ’11/M ’14 Guss, the North Central women’s golf team achieved its highest CCIW Championship finish since 2018, placing fifth at Dretzka Park Golf Course in Milwaukee.

Women’s soccer ties for program’s most wins in a single season

In the fall, the women’s soccer program went 12-2-5 overall, tying for the most wins in a single season. They were 4-0-4 in CCIW play and returned to the CCIW Tournament championship game for the second straight year, falling to Illinois Wesleyan University, 4-1.

Ellie Lochbaum ’24 became the program’s first-ever All-American when she was named a Second Team All-American by United Soccer Coaches (USC). She earned USC First Team All-Region and All-College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) First Team selection. She was also named 2022 CCIW Defensive StudentAthlete of the Year and Jack Swartz Academic All-Conference honoree. Elle Sutter ’24 and Lochbaum were the program’s firstever USC Scholar All-Americans.

The men’s soccer program advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Championships for the first time in program history. While playing host on their home field, the Cardinals went down with a 2-1 loss to St. Olaf College. It was North Central’s only loss of the 2022 campaign. They had defeated the University of WisconsinSuperior, 3-2, in the first round after a thrilling comeback that saw the Cardinals score two goals in the final minute of the game. North Central won the CCIW regular-season championship and claimed the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament title for the second straight year with a 3-2 win over North Park University.

Aidan Westerberg ’24 was named a United Soccer Coaches (USC) Third Team All-American, a USC First Team Scholar All-American, and a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American. He was also named the CCIW Student-Athlete of the Year after scoring a conference-best seven goals in CCIW play, while goalkeeper Sid Marquardt ’24 became the first Cardinal to be named CCIW Defensive Student-Athlete of the Year. Matteo Innocenti ’27 was voted the CCIW Newcomer of the Year, and Head Coach Enzo Fuschino was voted conference Coach of the Year for the third straight season.

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY SEVENTH AT NATIONALS

Under first-year head coach Matt Sinnott ’03, the North Central men’s cross country program won its 48th straight CCIW championship and 54th overall on Oct. 29, 2022, at St. James Farm Forest Preserve, achieving the first nine individual finishes and a perfect score of 15 points. The Cardinals won their 32nd NCAA Division III Midwest Region Championship before placing seventh in the national championship.

For full North Central College Athletics coverage, visit northcentralcardinals.com

Sipla studied theatre and music performance at North Central, where he performed in 14 mainstage productions and discovered his love of dialect and voice work. The Warrenville, Ill., native has been acting since he was 6 years old.

How did your role in “A Man Called Otto” come about?

The production company hired casting directors who put out notices to agents and the industry in general. My agent submitted me, and the casting and production team were interested in seeing an audition tape.

I was staying with Adam ’06 and Kaylee ’11 Billman-Galuhn, both North Central theater alumni, in Montgomery, Ill., for a three-month stint between gigs. That turned into two and a half years, due to the pandemic. During that time, Adam was my off-camera reader for every audition I submitted. We literally taped the initial scene from their basement! When we finished, I said: “Well, whatever happens from here, we will have both performed for Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson!” (They are both producers of the film.) A few weeks later, I received a virtual callback audition for the director, Marc Forster — which also occurred in Adam and Kaylee’s basement!

What was memorable about this project?

Auditioning for, then working with Marc Forster is high on that list, as was meeting Rita Wilson as I walked onto set. She and Tom, as well as the entire cast and crew, were incredibly welcoming and gracious. It was great to see that, even at that level of success, they hold being kind and supportive just as important as being highly skilled, focused and professional.

I also had the opportunity to meet David Magee, writer of the film, as well as the Oscar-nominated writer of “Life of Pi,” “Finding Neverland” and “Mary Poppins Returns,” to name a few. We connected through our shared background working in voiceover, which led to him adapting books into abridged audiobooks that he also narrated, then into writing and adapting screenplays.

On set, I was able to act with, and opposite, Tom Hanks for more than 10 hours one day! To say that it was paradigm-shifting might be an understatement. Being able to watch a master at their craft, see how they work in between takes, then having the immense privilege to ply my own craft opposite them, is a gift.

What are some of your goals for the next steps in your career?

I think it’s important to set large, almost unfathomable, long-term goals that keep you inspired, like: “I want to be one of the greatest actors of my generation, creating a legendary body of work by continually deepening and showcasing my skills.” That can apply to range, depth, ease, realism, theatricality, humor, your vocal and physical instruments — whatever aspect you’d like to focus on at that time.

I set smaller, specific goals for each season — whether a few months or a year — so that I’m intentional in growing and honing my skills. I think I will always strive to be the best actor and teammate that I can be at the present moment. As for next steps, I just wrapped my second episode of a streaming TV show — my first recurring character on a show. I’d love to continue into larger roles in film, as well as more recurring and season regular roles in television.

Any final words of wisdom?

Pursue excellence in whatever you do. Be kind to yourself when you fall short. Refine your process, persist anyway, and enjoy every single moment.

Questions and responses were edited for space. Read the full interview, including Sipla’s advice to theatre students on how to have a successful career in acting.

is a veteran of Chicago-area stages. Recently, he made his wide-release film debut in “A Man Called Otto,” opposite Tom Hanks.

Peter Sipla ’07

CLASSNOTES

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

1958

DANN CHAMBERLIN says he has been “hopelessly and happily addicted” to the music of Johann Strauss II since his late high school and North Central days. In 2020, diligent research paid off when he unearthed a previously unknown waltz by Strauss that had been composed for piano in connection with the composer’s only visit to the U.S. — when he performed in Boston for the World’s Peace Jubilee and International Musical Festival in 1872. Titled “To America: Fair Columbia Waltzes,” Chamberlin commissioned an orchestration by Kurt Schmid, an Austrian conductor, composer, and arranger. He then arranged a modern-day premier by the professional Boston Landmarks Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Wilkins. The concert took place at the Hatch Shell on Boston’s Esplanade, on August 6, 2022 — 150 years after the original concert. Dann was asked to stand and take a bow before “Fair Columbia” was performed. He says it was “a thrill of a lifetime.”

1966

MARY JANE MACKIE STERLING, an author and website contributor for Wiley Publishing, is the author of seven “For Dummies” math books, including the latest: the third edition of “Trigonometry for Dummies.” She has also authored more than a dozen workbooks and math resources.

1968

ROBERT CHARLES POWELL is an author, researcher, historian and clinician. His book “Listening Closely to Patients: Without Jumping to Conclusions - Essays About Practicing Psychiatry” was released in paperback in 2021. From 1987 to 1991, Powell served as chair of the Shimer College Board of Trustees. During the last five years, his most popular publication has been: “When Death Is NOT Theoretical: The Readiness of the Music Group ‘Queen’ for Living with Freddie Mercury’s Dying.”

1988

DAVE SOLIDAY was named national sales manager for North America for Omni Alliance, Inc., a sales and marketing company based in Lake Forest, Calif. He is responsible for all sales activities on behalf of Omni Alliance clients in North America.

1997

KATHY JOHNSEN SCHRENK published her third nonfiction book, “Kirkwood: A Walk Through History,” with Reedy Press in August 2022. Her previous books were “Best Hikes with Kids: St. Louis and Beyond” (2018) and “Katy Trail: A Guided Tour Through History” (2021). Her website is www.kathyschrenk.com.

BRAD WEISS , now known as Brad Carson, is operations and brand manager for AudacyMemphis sports. He was voted as the #1 midmarket sports program manager in America for 2022 according to the Barrett Sports Media Panel of 46 programming executives.

2001

BRIAN HORNER, who teaches fourth and fifth grade at Meadow Glens Elementary School in Naperville, has been selected as one of 30 finalists for the 2023 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.

2003

SHAUN KEATING leads enrollment, recruitment and community outreach efforts as director of enrollment for Marquette University’s Opus College of Engineering.

2008

NATHAN and PAIGE SPANGLER RONCHETTI are the new co-hosts of the popular local talk show 630 Naperville on Naperville Community Television (NCTV17). The Ronchettis live and work in Naperville, are raising their young daughter here, and are active in several charitable initiatives. They are excited to share their curiosity about exploring the wide variety of people, places and activities in Naperville, where they met as students at North Central.

2010

NICHOLAS BAUMGARTNER is a doctoral candidate at Purdue University in the Department of Health and Kinesiology. He is specializing in the effects of acute exercise on memory. Nick earned his masters degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

SHANNON JUENGER BERGHOFF has accepted the new position of behavior interventionist at Blanchard Elementary in the Cape Girardeau Public School District in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

JOHN MCWARD has been elected as the state’s attorney of Christian County, Ill., working as the chief prosecutor for the county.

HEATHER RACINE-VOGT has accepted a new position as victim services coordinator with the Parker Police Department. Racine-Vogt will provide resources and uphold victim’s rights as cases move through the criminal justice processes.

2011

JACKIE ERRICO M ’13 and Linnea Lones ’12 Stepanovic opened the doors of Just Lift Fitness in Clarendon Hills, Ill., in 2020. Both studied exercise science and played basketball at North Central. They were recently featured together as Power Women in Hinsdale Living magazine. Errico is the daughter of assistant baseball coach Tom Errico ’81.

2012

WILLIE HAYES is the new head football coach at his alma mater, Lemont High School in Lemont, Ill. He has been on staff for 11 years. Hayes was a three-year starter at North Central and studied physical education.

ALEXIS HURLEY is director of marketing for INDYCAR, where she leads and grows a global fan base for the sport.

LINNEA LONES ’12 STEPANOVIC and Jackie Errico ’11 / M ’13 opened the doors of Just Lift Fitness in Clarendon Hills, Ill. in 2020. Both studied exercise science and played basketball at North Central. They were recently featured together as Power Women in Hinsdale Living magazine.

2014

CHRISTINA KADINE CARSTENS SALCEDA has started a new job with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an epidemiologist in the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network (CORE) on the outbreak analytics team. She is involved in outbreak prevention efforts for FDA-regulated products. She earned a Ph.D. in epidemiology with minors in biostatistics and infectious disease research methods from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 2022. She also holds a master’s in food safety and technology from Illinois Institute of Technology.

ALUMNI SNAPSHOTS

1. Cheyanne Daniels ’20 & Bry’shawna Walker ’20

2. Brady Dickerson ’20

3. Nathan ’08 & Paige Spangler ’08 Ronchetti

4. Shaun Keating ’03

5. Rachel Pierson ’16 Green

2016

K.V. PECK is thrilled to share that her time travel romance novel, “The Memories Between Us,” will be published by 5310 Publishing in May 2023, and will be available in all formats. A thrilling romance set in contemporary New York City, the book takes readers on a wild ride through multiple timelines and parallel universes, crossing the line between perception and reality and holding onto faith in the transcendence of love.

RACHEL PIERSON GREEN recently co-anchored the afternoon drive on WBBM Newsradio 780 while subbing for Keith Johnson alongside anchor and reporter Lisa Fielding.

2017

EVAN HANSEN , a veteran backpacker and outdoorsman, went on a journey as part of a suicide prevention awareness campaign and wrote a book about the experience after suicide claimed three people from his life. In 2021, he carried a small canoe on his shoulders for 313 miles across Minnesota, averaging about 10 miles a day. His trek was featured by several media outlets along the way. He hopes his resulting memoir, “Into the Wind,” will create “some long-lasting, tangible good.” The book is available on Amazon, with 10 percent of proceeds going to NAMI of Southwest Minnesota.

AMANDA ZAHORAK is the senior communications and advocacy manager for Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs and DuPage Habitat for Humanity. Recently she was in Washington, D.C. fighting for affordable housing. Last fall, closer to home, she spoke during a public comment hearing as part of the DuPage Housing Alliance during a Naperville City Council meeting.

2020

BRADY DICKERSON graduated from specialized undergraduate pilot training and was assigned to fly for the United States Air Force. He is flying the HC-130J Combat King II (search and rescue) out of Moody Air Force Base. He received the Military Training award from Air Education and Training Command.

CHEYANNE DANIELS and BRY’SHAWNA WALKER showed Stephen Maynard Caliendo, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, around the White House when he was in Washington, D.C. last fall. Daniels is a journalist for The Hill, and she was featured on CSPAN’s “Washington Journal” in January, talking about the House Speaker election and the Republican agenda in the 118th Congress. Walker is working at the White House in the Office of Personnel.

CLAIRE HARTMAN is a finalist for the Presidential Management Fellowship program through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Of the more than 10,000 individuals from around the world who applied for the program, 850 finalists were chosen.

2021

STUART TODD-MIDDLEDITCH has been named assistant cross country/track and field coach at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Penn. Todd-Middleditch had been an assistant coach for the cross country and track and field programs at Barrington High School in Illinois since 2020, including a stint as the program’s interim head coach during the summer of 2022. During his time with Barrington’s cross country team, the team finished in the top 15 at three state meets, finishing as high as fifth in 2020.

JACK PLEWA has been accepted to the MD-PhD combined degree program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and will start this June after earning a master’s in microbiology and immunology in May from Montana State University-Bozeman.

2022

ANDREW KAMIENSKI has signed to play football with the Saarland Hurricanes of the German Football League for the 2023 season. The former NCAA Division III First Team All-American receiver had 337 receptions for 5,019 yards and 57 touchdowns during his four years playing for North Central — all ranking first in school history. Kamienski ranks fourth in NCAA Division III history in receiving yards, fifth in receptions and sixth in touchdowns.

6. Willie Hayes ’12

WEDDINGS

RACHEL STREIT ’17 CAIN and David Cain on September 23, 2022, at Venue 5126, Oswego, Ill. The wedding was officiated by faculty member Dr. Karl Kelley. The bridal party included: EMILY STREIT ’20 and AUDREY STERN ’16 1

CHELSEA LORENZ ’17 GUANZON and DOMINIC GUANZON ’16 on January 28, 2023, in Naperville. Alumni in attendance included:

SAMANTHA ATTEBERY ’17 and LIZZIE BAUMGARTNER ’17 2

JONATHON KINGZETTE ’15 and SAMANTHA

HESS ’16 KINGZETTE on September 24, 2022, at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora, Ill. Other alumni in attendance included:

JUDE CHILDRESS ’16, COLLEEN DEROSA ’16, KAIL WILKE ’16, CHRISTINE MADDEN ’16, KRISTEN HARPSTER ’16 MIJAREZ , DANIELLE REYNOLDS ’16 and CHRIS PASCOE ’16 3

SHEA OLEHY ’12 MARSHALL and Toby Marshall on October 22, 2022, at Weaver Ridge Golf Club in Peoria, Ill. The bridal party included

LAURIE BOVINO ’13 CARTER and ARIEL SIEVERS ’13 CAPRISTO

THOMAS MCGINNIS ’11 and Jennifer McGinnis on February 19, 2022, at CD&ME in Frankfort, Ill. Alumni in attendance included TYLER GORDON ’12

COURTNEY CLEMENT ’17 MOHR and GARRETT MOHR ’18 on October 8, 2022, at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, Ill. The bridal party included: KIMBERLY MATAS ’17, BRETT JOHNSON ’18, LUKE MILLER ’17 and NICK GOODELL ’16 4

GAIL OESTERLE ’14 and Patrick O’Neill on March 14, 2023, in Williamsburg, Va. She is the daughter of JEFF OESTERLE ’76 and the granddaughter of CLARE OESTERLE ’39

JONATHON RASHID ’14 and Gabriela Alonso on September 16, 2022, in Oak Brook, Ill. Other alumni in attendance included: TJ SIMMONS ’13, FRANK SUTPHIN ’13 and TJ HECIMOVICH ’13 5

LAURA SIRON ’22 RIESTER and Andrew Riester on June 10, 2022, at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. 6

NICOLE NOVIELLI ’12 WARD to Matthew Ward on March 3, 2023, in Goodyear, Ariz.

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. Alumni relatives also include her aunt, CAROLINE STRUTHERS ’15 7

VICTORIA ELLIOTT ’09 ATKINSON and Robert Atkinson, a boy, Zachary, on September 14, 2022, weighing 6 lbs., 19.5 oz. Zachary was welcomed by his big brother, Brayden. Alumni relatives include TONY EZZI ’09 8

MARY BASS M ’21 and Dr. Christopher Bass, a daughter, Evelyn, on November 10, 2022, weighing 7 lbs., 6 oz., and measuring 21 inches. Evelyn was welcomed by older brother, Willoughby, 4. 9

DANIELLE CIFONIE ’10 KUBOUSHEK and Brandon Kuboushek, a girl, Annalise, on December 27, 2022. Annalise was welcomed by siblings Silas, 9; Theodore, 7; Felicity, 5; and Miriam, 2. 10

COLIN LAUGHLIN ’15 and AMANDA PECK ’15

LAUGHLIN , a boy, Emmett, on February 17, 2023, weighing 7 lbs., 11 oz., and measuring 20 inches. 11

MOLLY GSTALTER ’13 LEMARK and Sam LeMark, twin boys, Charlie and James, on February 18, 2023, weighing 4 lbs. and 4.33 lbs., and measuring 17.3 inches and 17.9 inches, respectively. 12

MEREDITH WELLS ’18 MARCOTTE and MATT MARCOTTE ’18, a girl, Charlotte, on January 31, 2023, weighing 7 lbs., 7 oz., and measuring 19 inches.

THOMAS MCGINNIS ’11 and Jennifer McGinnis, a girl, Haley, July 8, 2022, weighing 6 lbs., 11 oz., and measuring 20 inches.

KIP MICHALAK ’06 and Tara Michalak, a boy, Ryan, on March 4, 2022. Ryan joins big sister Allison, 5. Alumni relatives include: CAROL VANDERWALKER ’74 MICHALAK and the late DENNY MICHALAK ’74 13

CHRISTINA RICHARDSON ’14 ROUNDS and Nick Rounds, a girl, Rose Louise, on December 12, 2022, weighing 6 lbs., 16 oz., and measuring 19 inches. 14

KATHRYN LONG ’15 TOURT and Tyler Tourt, a boy, Gavin, on October 6, 2022. 15

IN MEMORIAM

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

GERALD BISBEE JR. ’67 of New Canaan, Conn., on March 10, 2023.

MARCIA MILLER ’68 BOHNSACK , of Marquette, Mich., on November 8, 2022. Alumni survivors include her spouse, Rev. Ben Bohnsack ’65, her brother-in-law, Rev. Frank Thompson ’61 and her nephew, Dr. Trent Thompson ’90.

CAROLE BLANSET ’56 BROMLEY of Overland Park, Kan., on February 14, 2023.

RICHARD BONNEY ’55 of Mauston, Wis., on March 2, 2023.

JAMES BURSON ’68 of Newmarket, N.H., on January 27, 2023.

JO ANN SWANK ’63 CANNIFF, of Port Charlotte, Fla., on November 9, 2022.

REBECCA CRAWLEY ’83 of Woodridge, Ill., on December 12, 2022.

DONNA KEMMERER ’61 GULLSTRAND

DAVIDSON , of Florida, on November 24, 2022.

GLORIA WOLF ’64 EVANS of Naperville, on March 6, 2023.

DWIGHT FRESHLY ’50, of Athens, Ga., on June 3, 2022.

DR. WESLEY LAMB ’63, of Sacramento, Calif., on August 8, 2022. Alumni survivors include his wife, Jacquelee Louy ’64 Lamb.

MARILYN RIORDAN ’84 LINDEN , of Batavia, Ill., on November 18, 2022.

SCOTT CHRISTOPHER LLOYD ’84 of Palatine, Ill. on October 18, 2016. He is survived by his wife Jane Connolly ’85.

MICHAEL MELNICK ’57, of Evanston, Ill., on January 28, 2023.

RUSS PAGEN ’64 , of Galena, Ill., on September 22, 2022.

MARGARET HEALD ’50 ROEMHILD of Bayfield, Wis., on March 10, 2023.

DANIEL SCUREK ’93 of Aurora, Ill., on January 5, 2023.

LAWRENCE SHEAFFER ’70 of Glen Ellyn, Ill., on January 31, 2023.

SUSAN THOMPSON ’53 TOOMIRE , of Huntley, Ill., on June 29, 2021.

HAROLD WAGNER ’58 , of Bartow, Fla., on March 14, 2022. Survived by his spouse, Donna Oeschger ’59 Wagner.

Correction: Within the “In Memoriam” section in the 2022 President’s Report, we misspelled the name of Annette Leppellere’79 Scott. We regret the error.

Wendy Kay Koenig of Long Beach, Calif. — formerly of Louisville, Ky., Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Chicago

— passed away on October 10, 2022. She was an associate professor of art at North Central from 2008 to 2014.

"Those of us who knew Wendy will remember her as a dynamic instructor and engaged colleague. She will surely be missed by all who loved her," said Stephen Maynard Caliendo, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

REMEMBERING MEMBERS OF THE GREATEST GENERATION

The College recently said goodbye to four members of the “Greatest Generation” who lived up to that lofty title through their longstanding support of the College and the lasting impact they had on the campus and community.

“This generation of Cardinals is truly unique not only because of their dedication to North Central, but in their deep connectedness to the history of Naperville and the College,” said Adrian Aldrich ’02, vice president for institutional advancement. “We will miss them dearly and will remain forever grateful for their lasting legacies.”

WALTER “TED” FREDENHAGEN JR. ’50 died on November 16, 2022, in Amboy, Ill., at the age of 97. He grew up in Naperville working in his family’s ice cream and restaurant business. The family’s original Prince Castle restaurant, which opened in 1931, was re-established as Cock Robin and expanded to 25 locations across the Chicago area. When the original Cock Robin restaurant was razed in 2000, Fredenhagen and his sister, Rita Harvard, a former member of the College’s Board of Trustees, donated the land to Naperville. The city, in turn, dedicated the property as Fredenhagen Park, which now links the College campus to the Naperville Riverwalk through the Bambule Riverwalk Gateway.

RUTH JOHNSON ’52 FAWELL passed away on November 18, 2022, in Naperville at the age of 92. She taught elementary school in Naperville and Elmhurst and served as a curriculum specialist for Naperville School District 203. She was a charter trustee for the Naperville Education Foundation, serving two years as chair. Ruth met her husband HARRIS FAWELL ’51 H ’95 when they were students at North Central. During Harris’ career as a U.S. Congressman from 1985-1999, Ruth helped organize volunteers for her husband’s political campaigns and hosted Illinois constituents in Washington, D.C. The couple celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in November 2021, just prior to Harris’ death.

MARY BOMBERGER ’52 ABE died on November 22, 2022, in Naperville at the age of 92. She was a proud fourth generation Napervillian and resident historian. She met her husband, WILLIAM “BILL” ABE ’50, during their time as students at North Central. Bill, who passed away in 2017, was a longtime member of the College’s Board of Trustees. In 2011, thanks to their deep ties and generous support of the College, the Abe House — a historic campus building located at 48 E. Jefferson Ave. — was dedicated in their name. As home of the College’s Center for Global Education, it is a fitting memorial to a couple who loved to travel the world.

WILLIAM “BILL” WARDEN ’54 passed away on March 25, 2023, in The Villages, Fla., at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife, Barb. As a student-athlete, Warden rewrote the record books for the Cardinal men’s basketball program. Nearly 70 years later, he remains the program’s career scoring leader, including his 34.7 points-per-game average during his senior campaign. Warden spent two decades as a teacher and coach at Morgan Park High School in Chicago, leading the boys’ basketball team to the 1976 state title. He returned to North Central in 1981 to head the men’s basketball program. During 16 years as head coach, the Cardinals won 200 games and three conference championships, and made four NCAA Division III playoff appearances. He was inducted into the North Central College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.

Bill Warden (center) and two of his North Central basketball teammates — Dick Wehrli ’56 (left) and Ralph Larson’56 (right) were honored during halftime of a Cardinals home basketball game last December.

Mary and Bill Abe are pictured in front of Abe House.

Alumni Calendar

MAY - NOVEMBER 2023

Commencement Weekend

May 5 - 7

North Central College, Naperville

Women in Sports Golf Outing

June 11

Top Golf, Naperville

Annual Alumni Cubs Game

June 17

Cubby Bear 11:30 a.m. pregame BBQ; Wrigley Field 1:20 p.m. game; Chicago

Craig E. Fischer Wrestling

Golf Outing

June 17

Tamarack Golf Club, Naperville

Summer Ale Fest

July 8

Naper Settlement, Naperville

Quarterback Club Golf Outing

July 31

White Eagle Golf Club, Naperville

Men’s Cross Country and Track & Field Alumni Picnic

August 5

North Central College, Naperville

Annual Men’s Cross Country and Track & Field Alumni and Friends Golf Outing

August 6

Top Golf, Naperville

Men’s Alumni Soccer Game

September 9

North Central College, Naperville

Homecoming/Family Weekend

October 6 - 8

North Central College, Naperville

Women’s Alumni Volleyball

Match & Reception

October 6

North Central College, Naperville

Baseball Golf Outing

October 6

St. Andrews Golf and Country Club, West Chicago

Quarterback Club Alumni Hospitality

Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, Naperville

September 16 vs. Carthage College

October 7 vs. Carroll University

October 21 vs. Washington University

In St. Louis

November 4 vs. Illinois Wesleyan University

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

JOIN THE ALUMNI BOARD!

FLORIDA BASEBALL BBQ

DENVER ALUMNI EVENT

Find out how you can make a difference. northcentralcollege.edu/ alumni-board

ALUMNI BOARD

PRESIDENT

Connor McGury ’18/M ’20, crmcgury@outlook.com

PAST PRESIDENT

Carli Franks ’05, carlimfranks@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR

CARDINAL COUPLES 2023

HOLIDAY LIGHTS TROLLEY TOUR

FEED THE NEED

Carla Kolavo ’06 Muir, clkolavo@gmail.com

REV. DR. HOWARD MUELLER’58 ALUMNI BOARD STUDENT INVOLVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIR

Sam Fitch ’17, samfitch17@gmail.com

LIAISON CHAIR

Bryan Taylor ’13, chem-is-try44@hotmail.com

COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR

Jane Anderson ’92 Clark, janieclark02@yahoo.com

SHIMER LIAISON

Robin Ashton S ’71, rashton@theashtonreport.com

ALUMNI CLUB CONTACTS

AFRICAN AMERICAN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

William H. Davis ’71, wdavis1803@sbcglobal.net

CHICAGO ALUMNI CLUB

Connor McGury ’18/M ’20, crmcgury@outlook.com

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL ALUMNI GAME STAY CONNECTED

For additional event information and to register, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement.

630-637-5200

alumni@noctrl.edu

northcentralcollege.edu/alumni

@NCAlumni

SHIMER GREAT BOOKS SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

Sam Fitch ’17, samfitch17@gmail.com

COLORADO ALUMNI CLUB

Carli Franks ’05, carlimfranks@gmail.com

FLORIDA ALUMNI CLUB

Nick Zec ’81, nickzecjr@gmail.com

GEORGIA ALUMNI CLUB

Jen Dufore M ’09, jendufore@hotmail.com

JAPAN ALUMNI CLUB

Jun Okada ’07, jokada77@ezweb.ne.jp

Yusuke Ichimura ’08, ichimura@milepost.co.jp

2023 Alumni Board

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

North Central’s award-winning Cardinal First program provides community and support for firstgeneration college students, helping them persist toward graduation. During First-gen Celebration Week last fall, Cardinal First students gathered to show their strength.

“First-generation students are an asset to any campus community,” said Julie Carballo, assistant dean for first-generation, transfer and veteran initiatives. “They have already proven they can overcome obstacles and blaze their own trail.”