30 Reasons North Central is the School We Love

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

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