CLASS NOTES Spring/Summer 2024

ALUMNI SNAPSHOTS

1. Sam Mudro ’98

2. Jill Kastner ’02

3. David Shafron ’03

4. Nirav Shah M ’10

5. Nick Baumgartner ’14

6. Michelle Navarrete ’19

7. Ben Wong ’21

8. Hannah Kato ’22

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

1967

DORCAS FRESHLEY WINDSOR has retired from her position as organist and collaborative pianist at Westworth United Church of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a position she held for 48 years. She will continue to serve as a substitute and freelance musician on the piano and organ.

1969

REV. EILDERT ZWART presented a lecture titled "Our Great Unknown Patriot" about the life of Patrick Henry, the Founding Father who famously declared: "Give me liberty, or give me death!" Given at the Gary Byker Public Library in Hudsonville, Mich., the presentation included a first-person portrayal of Henry and an overview of his life.

1981

NICK ZEC JR. was recently recognized for his 40 years of membership and service to the National Association of Insurance and Financial

Advisors. He is currently the vice president of financial services and retirement with Boyd Insurance and Investments in Bradenton, Fla.

1983

PETER BRUNOEHLER, international corporate executive turned published author, recently launched the second book in his series, "Career Fulfilment and Achievement in Southeast Asia, Maximising Success at 4 Key Milestones," available from Amazon and other booksellers. His first book, “Expat Leadership and Lifestyle in Southeast Asia, Overcoming 5 Key Challenges,” was published in 2019. He has lived and worked in Asia for 28 years and now writes from his home in Malaysia.

1984

DAVID MEUNIER has been promoted to senior research and development fellow in the core research and development department at Dow, in recognition of his world-class expertise in the analytical chemistry of macromolecules; the development of new measurement science capabilities; and development of the next generation of scientists. His work has contributed to the commercialization of more than 10 new products. He holds four U.S. patents and several trade secrets. He has authored more than 325 internal technical reports, more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and has delivered 21 invited lectures around the world. Meunier and his wife, Mari-Terese, reside in Midland, Mich.

1990

ESTHER T. BENJAMIN was named a 2024 Innovator of Color Award Honoree, which recognizes trailblazing individuals who have left indelible marks in education and innovation to ensure all people have equal access to the future.

THOMAS LAMB was promoted to commander of the special functions unit in the Chicago Police Department. As a 32-year member of the department, he most recently served as the executive officer of the special functions division.

BEN RABE ’17 HIRED TO POSITION WITH NFL’S LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Ben Rabe played defensive tackle for the North Central Cardinal football team. He missed his junior season due to injury, but the exercise science major and Academic All-CCIW performer found other ways to contribute and gain valuable experience. Helping out in the weight room and coaching the defensive line showed Rabe that his future was likely off the field.

Rabe interned at Northwestern University after he graduated from North Central in 2017, and then worked as a graduate assistant with East Tennessee State University for two years. He joined the University of Michigan's football strength and conditioning staff as an intern prior to being hired as a full-time strength and conditioning coach under head coach Jim Harbaugh in January 2020. After the Wolverines won the 2023 NCAA Division I National Championship, Harbaugh became head coach of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. Rabe and other staff from Michigan then followed.

As the Chargers’ director of performance analytics, Rabe helps players maintain their physical and mental health. He also analyzes the team’s evaluation system to improve performance in the weight room and during games. Of his time at North Central, he said, “It was the foundation of my career. You have access to so many great people and resources at North Central, and there are several NCC alumni who have helped guide me along my journey. Overall, I couldn’t be more thankful for what North Central College has done to help me.”

1991

STACEY LUTZ HIETIKKO earned a master of education in learning design and leadership from the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign. She is a senior instructional designer/training program manager with Yahoo.

JOHN JACKSON is a production manager, technology transfer leader with Mirus Bio. He is responsible for leading the Research Use Only production team of scientists and chemists and building the technology transfer capabilities of Mirus Bio Operations.

1992

CRAIG ALTMAN earned an MBA in December 2023 from the GIES College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His degree included specializations in digital marketing, entrepreneurship and strategic innovation. Since 2005, Altman has been the president of Tradition Software, a national provider of construction lien software and services to the U.S. construction industry.

1995

ARNISE IRBY ROBERSON has a new role as the director of college success at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School-Twin Cities in Minneapolis, Minn. She is also serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. This summer, she will teach a group counseling class in Edinburgh, Scotland.

1997

MARK “FLO” FLORENCE was inducted into the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame in June 2023. Heidi Matthews, North Central College professor of kinesiology emerita and retired dean of the School of Education and Health Sciences, attended the ceremony. (This note corrects an error that appeared in the fall 2023 issue).

BOBBY TUCKER was appointed as the deputy director of statewide personnel at the State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). Prior to joining CMS, he was the human resources director at the Illinois Department of Revenue.

1998

SAM MUDRO, who earned a B.S. in accounting and finance from North Central, is now the president and chief financial officer of HKS, a global architecture and design firm based in Dallas, Texas. He oversees overall business strategy implementation and is responsible for operational and financial performance.

2002

JILL KASTNER has joined the law firm Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C. as partner. Kastner focuses her practice on workers' compensation, leveraging almost two decades of hands-on experience in various corporate law firms across the Chicagoland area. She has successfully represented nationally recognized companies against workers' compensation claims and is skilled in managing all levels of claims, including litigation and appeals. She has also served as an employer representative on the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board for the State of Illinois' Workers' Compensation Commission since 2019.

2003

MICHAEL DUBENSKY S ’03 released his debut song — a cover of Shel Silverstein's “The Giving Tree” — on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and Apple Music under his artistic name, Service Provider #1203.

DAVID SHAFRON has been named the new athletic director at Grayslake Central High School in Grayslake, Ill., starting July 1.

2004

CHRISTOPHER J. CARPENTER co-authored the textbook “The Science of Gaining Compliance,” which is about the science of getting people to agree to requests like favors or sales pitches.

2005

COLIN DALY was re-elected to serve as the Whitefish Bay (Wisconsin) Civic Foundation president.

2006

KATE GANNON-CULLINAN earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and research - higher education administration from Louisiana State University, where she is senior associate director of operations for the LSU Student Health Center. She began a new career in student health center operations after nearly two decades working in housing and residential life, including as a resident assistant at North Central. Her dissertation won the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers Outstanding Contribution to Research Award.

2007

ROGELIO AGUILAR , a teacher at the Marquette School of Excellence in Chicago, was selected as a finalist for the 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.

2009

ADAM PUCYLOWSKI was named head football coach at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, Ill.

BEN YOUEL ran the 2024 Boston Marathon in memory of his sister, Maggie, who passed away in 2015 from complications after experiencing a stroke in 2012 during her sophomore year at North Central. Ben ran to raise funds to support greater awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke. At North Central, the Youel family annually awards a scholarship to support students with financial need who have been accepted to a North Central College study abroad program.

On May 18, the College’s office of alumni and parent engagement and the African American Alumni Association hosted a barbeque on the lawn of the president’s residence. Smiles and memories were shared, as well as stories of resilience, empowerment and transformation. Special thanks to Shekia Baker’16, whose business, B.Kaker Productions LLC, focuses on capturing special events.

2010

COLLEEN WHITE ZEREBNY received the RE/MAX Executive Club Award for the third year in a row. She has been a residential realtor since 2018 in Bloomington-Normal, Ill., and has helped 80 clients happily buy and sell their homes.

KRISTEN DUNLAP-BERG started a new position as program coordinator assistant for the University of Illinois Chicago, Division of Specialized Care for Children. She assists with care coordination for children with complex healthcare needs.

KEITH MATUNE (M) earned a doctorate in education degree from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill., and was named principal at St. Damian School in Oak Forest, Ill. (This note corrects an error that appeared in the fall 2023 issue).

NIRAV SHAH (M) was invited to briefly meet the 14th Dalai Lama at the Tibetan spiritual leader’s residence in the Himalayan foothills along the India/China border. For Shah, the meeting capped several weeks of service in Dharamshala, India, where he volunteered as an English tutor to monks at the Dalai Lama’s monastery. He said he will cherish the experience for the rest of his life: “I couldn’t believe the holiness in front of me. Being blessed and then coming back home made me want to renew my commitment to love, compassion, nonviolence, peace and giving back.” In his work, Shah is a public affairs specialist in the office of communications at the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

2012

PETER BULANDR JR. was elected president of K.I.D.S.S. for Kids, Inc., an affiliated organization of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. This will be his 10th year as a part of the organization and his family's 10th year participating in the Aon Step Up for Kids, the organization’s signature fundraising event. Bulandr is vice president, investment banking at Barclays Investment Bank.

2014

NICK BAUMGARTNER earned his Ph.D. in kinesiology with a neuroscience focus from Purdue University in 2023. His research focused on the relationships among muscle strength, acute resistance exercise, and the mechanisms behind improved cognitive function and memory. He recently accepted a position at the RUSH Alzheimer's Disease Center at RUSH University in Chicago, where he is studying ways to slow or reverse the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

2015

ELIZABETH WEINER THOMPSON opened Edge Music Academy’s second location in Naperville with her husband, Jason Thompson.

2016

HANNAH JURIK launched The Vegan High Street, an online vegan candy and snack marketplace featuring a curated selection of unique products sourced from across the world.

ABIGAIL FRANCIS was nominated for the 2024 Teacher of the Year Award for her work as a band teacher at Mountain View High School in Tucson, Ariz. Each year, University of Arizona recognizes a local teacher from southern Arizona. Francis was nominated by the principal of Mountain View High for her work in and out of the classroom.

BASIA REED graduated in May from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine with a doctor of veterinary medicine degree. She was awarded the Dr. Beryl D. and Renee Mell Senior Student Award and the Dr. Edward C. Khuen Memorial Scholarship — awards for graduating students who exemplify understanding of the human-animal bond and proficiency in small animal dentistry, respectively. She has accepted a position as an associate veterinarian at Carol Stream Animal Hospital in Carol Stream, Ill.

HISTORIC APPOINTMENT FOR BISHOP TRACY SMITH ’90 MALONE

In April, Tracy Smith Malone began her term as president of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church. She is the first Black woman to lead the more than 110 active and retired United Methodist bishops in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. The United Methodist Church has nearly 10 million members worldwide, more than half of whom are in the U.S.

Bishop Malone’s historic election took place during the fall 2023 meeting of the United Methodist Council of Bishops and coincided with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of her ordination. Malone is bishop of the East Ohio Conference. She earned a bachelor of arts in religious studies and sociology, with a minor in computer science, from North Central College. She has a master of divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill., and a doctor of ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

She has said her experiences at North Central impacted her life and played a “foundational role in affirming and helping to shape my call to the ordained ministry.”

Malone has said: “I was very blessed to benefit from the leadership and the mentorship of the Rev. Dr. Barbara Isaacs, who was the chaplain during my four years (at North Central).” Malone also has credited the many leadership, global studies, internship and other opportunities she had while she was a student — which helped develop her skills and capacity as a leader. “I am eternally grateful for the support … all that was provided to me.”

2017

JOHN BIHUN received a master’s degree in biology from Miami University in Ohio in 2021 and is now an animal care specialist at Brookfield Zoo, where he works with the primates and specializes in the western lowland gorillas.

JESSICA BOVENKERK was promoted to onsite manager of the Edina, Minn., branch of Minnesota Bank and Trust. She oversees branch staff, performs monthly, quarterly, and annual audits, assists with client needs, and provides support for additional branch locations.  

2019  

MICHELLE E. NAVARRETE is a Ph.D. candidate of the Hebrew Bible at Emory University. She is researching lament, penitential prayer, U.S. Latine theologies, biblical translation/interpretation in postcolonial Mexico, and related prophetic and poetic texts. Navarrete’s undergraduate degree from North Central was in Religious Studies. A Hispanic Theological Initiative Scholar, she has been published and invited to present her biblical scholarship at several conferences. Most recently, in April, she was the featured presenter at the 2024 Mujerista Symposium, co-hosted by Princeton Theological Seminary and En Conjunto: Latinx Student Collaborative. [PHOTO] 

SHELBY SLAGER and NATHAN LEATHERMAN SLAGER have written and produced Chasing June, a film that premiered at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in May. Shelby won the festival’s award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June. Shot at locations in Elgin and Burlington, Ill., the film is about three high school friends who are inseparable until an accident on the night of graduation sets them on separate paths. The couple live in Los Angeles.

2020 

ARMANDO VARELA works as part of the quality control personnel for operations with the Yale University football team. 

2021  

FRANCIS ESPEDIDO started a new job at Advocate Health Care as an acute care occupational therapist. The role provides patient-centered care to promote rehabilitation in performing meaningful activities of daily living during and after an acute change in medical status.  

MATT OSMULSKI teaches math at Catawba Ridge High School in Fort Mill, S.C., where he also is head coach of the boys cross country team. Last November, the Copperheads won the 4A state championship, led by three top 15 finishers and a total team score of 113 points. 

BEN WONG has received a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship to apply toward his education at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where he will begin his third year of study. Nationwide, only 126 recipients are awarded the highly prestigious scholarship annually — current or former student-athletes who excel academically and athletically while also serving as leaders in the community.

2022 

HANNAH KATO toured with the North American company for the Tony-nominated musical, “Come From Away,” playing the role of Janice.

2024

DeANGELO HARDY was one of five NCAA Division III football players to sign with an NFL team after the 2024 NFL Draft, signing as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens. As a Cardinal, Hardy compiled a program record 58 receiving touchdowns — seventh in Division III history. He ranks second in total receiving yards (4,253) and points scored (398). He became the first Cardinal to sign with an NFL team since Broc Rutter ’19 signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. The last alum to play in the NFL was Ron Selesky ’87, who appeared in two games for the Minnesota Vikings.

WEDDINGS

TIM BRODEUR ’08 and Jarod Sabatino on Sept. 16, 2023, in South Haven, Mich. (first picture above)

SAMANTHA CASEY ’16 BINION and LAYTEN BINION ’17 on July 8, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mokena, Ill. Alumni and current North Central students in the wedding party included: BRITTANY KUDRA ’16 HERNANDEZ , HOWARD BEATTY ’18, and WILL GREANEY ’27 (second picture above)

HAILEY BRZOSKA ’17 CIRIC and MICHAEL CIRIC ’17 on Dec. 21, 2023, at Naper Settlement in Naperville.

SUZANNE FRESHLEY ’69 and JERRY JUZWIAK ’69 on Oct. 14, 2023, at Koten Chapel on the North Central campus. The marriage was officiated by REV. TOM BABLER ’69 KAREN FEILER ’69 SCHMIEL was the matron of honor and KAYE FRESHLEY ’69 SCHULTZ was the soloist.

SARAH KRANPITZ ’97 MAAS and Erik Maas in a surprise ceremony on Dec. 17, 2023. Other alumni in attendance included Sarah’s sister, KRISTIN KRANPITZ ’95 CLARK and her mother, NANCY ZEUMER ’67 KRANPITZ

ALLIE YOUNGREN ’15 WALLACE and Zachary Wallace on Oct. 14, 2023, in Peru, Ill. Alumni in the wedding party included KAITLYN GORMAN ’16 WEIDNER , KATY MITTEL ’15, and JESSICA CONNOR ’14 YOUNGREN (third picture above)

BIRTHS

LAURA LAUDERDALE ’14 BANKEMPER and Daniel Bankemper, a daughter, Daphne Wren, on Sept. 28, 2023, weighing 6 lbs., 11 oz., and measuring 19.5 inches. Daphne was welcomed by her sibling, Iris Mae, 3.

NICOLE AMUNDSEN ’16 BORCHARDT and MATTHEW BORCHARDT ’11 , a daughter, Kara Sandy, on Aug. 28, 2023, weighing 9 lbs., 1 oz., and measuring 20.5 inches. Kara was welcomed by her sibling, Lyla, 3. (first baby photo above)

ALLI NAZOREK ’16 DEVNEY and Aaron Devney, a daughter, Maya Genevieve, on Nov. 8, 2023, weighing 7 lbs., 12 oz., and measuring 19.75 inches. (second baby photo above)

VINCE KMIEC ’14 / M ’17 and GINA KMIEC ’16 / M’18 welcomed their first child, a son, Kobe, on April 8, 2024. (third baby photo above)

CASSANDRA SHAKER ’13 and Brad Hult, a daughter, Cameron Otto, on Dec. 28, 2023. (fourth baby photo above)

IN MEMORIAM

Our condolences to the families and friends of those we have lost. To notify us of a passing, please email classnotes@noctrl.edu.

HELEN MACGREGOR ’48 BAKER of Montgomery, Ill., on Feb. 6, 2024.

HUBERT HAWBECKER ’50 of Naperville, on Nov. 24, 2023.

ROBERT WOLF ’50 of Washington, D.C., on Feb. 4, 2024. Surviving alumni relatives include his brother, Rev. James Wolf ’50 and his sister-inlaw, Mary Lee Siemsen ’50 Wolf.

JACK HOFFMAN ’51 of Rockford, Ill., on Dec. 17, 2023.

BARBARA IRWIN ’51 THOMPSON of Naperville, on Nov. 28, 2023. She was preceded by her husband Floyd Thompson ’50.

DALE BELING ’53 of Fargo, N.D., on Feb. 17, 2024.

JANE HOOTON ’53 HOFFMAN of Oak Harbor, Wash., on Dec. 24, 2023.

WALTER LARSON ’54 of Rochester, Minn., on Jan. 6, 2024. Alumni survivors include his wife, Donna Siemsen ’53 Larson.

HOWARD EBY ’55 of Fishers, Ind., on March 23, 2024.

BARBARA SHERMAN ’56 ROBY of Winter Haven, Fla., on April 26, 2023.

WILLIAM STRUTZ ’56 of Bismarck, N.D., on Jan. 25, 2024.

JOAN KNEPP ’57 of Nappanee, Ind., on May 8, 2023.

JOAN KANIKULA ’57 RITZERT of Darien, Ill., on Feb. 13, 2024.

JOAN SOMMERS ’57 WOOD of Waco, Texas, on Feb. 22, 2024.

ANDREW KELLY ’58 of Rexville, N.Y., on Jan. 30, 2024.

WILLIAM ROBY ’58 of Winter Haven, Fla., on April 26, 2023.

GAYLE VAN RAMSHORST ’58 STEES of Wolcottville, Ind., on March 26, 2024.

JANET WEYRICK ’59 TEMPLETON of Arlington Heights, Ill., on Dec. 20, 2023.

KEN CLOUD ’61 of Chesterfield, Mo., on Feb. 20, 2024.

RALPH SEEGER ’61 of West Bend, Wis., on Dec. 23, 2023.

CAROL RICKETTS ’61 SNYDER of Crawfordsville, Ind., on Jan. 23, 2024.

GERALD BOON ’62 of Mishawaka, Ind., on March 30, 2024.

LINDA BAHREY ’63 of Everett, Wash., on Feb. 2, 2024.

EDNA FULKERSON ’63 FARRIS of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., on Jan. 5, 2024.

JUDITH STEGMEIER ’63 WESTIN of Irvine, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2024.

MARJORIE PARKS ’64 WILLIAMS of Canton, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2024. Alumni survivors include Christopher Williams ’92 and Benn Williams ’96. Other alumni include her late husband, Thomas Williams ’65, and her late mother, Marian Bulow ’35 Parks.

CAROL KREITZER ’70 ARNOULD of Marblehead, Mass., on Oct. 25, 2023.

JOHN BEEHLER ’71 of Naperville, on Dec. 6, 2023.

CURTIS MORRELL ’71 of Sun City West, Ariz., on Jan. 30, 2024.

MARTHA LINDSEY ’71 REGIER of Portage, Ind., on Aug. 31, 2023.

JUDITH STRMEC ’74 STOCKSTILL of Germantown, Tenn., on March 17, 2024.

JAMES LIESZ ’76 of Wheaton, Ill., on Nov. 20, 2023.

MARTHA OBERMEYER ’77 JANEY of New Orleans, on March 1, 2024.

VITO VITULLI ’80 of Roselle, Ill., on Jan. 26, 2024.

RUSSELL MARK SATTELBERG ’81 , known as Mark, of Broomfield, Colo., on Jan. 21, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Jane Snook ’83 Sattelberg.

JOHN FINNEGAN ’82 of Naperville, on March 21, 2024.

JEAN DEVRIES ’83 BENNER of Naperville, on March 19, 2024.

ROBERT KOVACS ’85 of Austin, Texas, on Jan. 11, 2024.

SCOTT SOWA ’05 of Aurora, Ill., on Jan. 23, 2024.