2023 President's Report

Letter from the Interim President

This has been an exhilarating year for Northeastern and me. Throughout the 26 years I have been a member of this great community, I have seen much growth and progress, worked alongside many wonderful people, and celebrated our diverse University. This year, as Northeastern’s Interim President, I have reflected on our resilience and ability to move the University forward, no matter our challenges. This report highlights many of our successes and the people who led these initiatives.

I am grateful to the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading the University this year. In this report, meet our Trustees, who are accomplished leaders in their own right and in their roles at Northeastern. Each brings to our University their time, talents and experience, and their profiles will highlight the valuable perspectives they bring from their professional backgrounds.

We care deeply about our students and support them on their educational journey, whether it’s to reach their career goals or elevate their career path. We are proud that for the 10th year in a row, Northeastern graduated its students with the least amount of student debt among Midwest regional universities, according to the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” publication. The report also ranked Northeastern No. 45 in social mobility, which measures how well schools graduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Our mission is to provide an exceptional environment for teaching, learning and scholarship. In this report, read about our new and renamed academic programs, including an update on our Community Research on Climate and Urban Science (CROCUS) grant initiative and partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. We are particularly excited about our new Master of Arts in Human Developmental Science program. This degree program will allow more students the opportunity to explore the human life span and to engage in research and projects with our faculty. Thank you to my faculty colleagues who were instrumental in bringing about these advancements.

Congratulations to our faculty award winners, as well as to our colleague Dr. Sharon L. Bethea, who was named 48th President of the Association of Black Psychologists, Inc. In this report, you can read how her experience as a Professor of Counselor Education and Inner City Studies and Coordinator of the African and African American Studies program contributed to her recognition and appointment to this important leadership position.

There are many more exciting University updates and spotlights featured in this report, including new academic appointments, the announcement of Employee Excellence Awards recipients, and the President’s Inclusive Excellence and Diversity awardees.

Finally, it is with heartfelt thanks that I recognize the many donors and alumni who have contributed to ensuring access to the excellent, affordable education we provide to our students. Thank you to the NEIU Foundation Board for their hard work, to all our donors who are part of our Giving Societies, and to our enthusiastic and engaged Alumni Advisory Board. The University is enhanced by your encouragement and contributions, and you join a community of NEIU supporters who care deeply about investing in and securing a strong future for the University.

I am grateful for the partnership of each member of our amazing community and hope you will join me in celebrating the achievements we have seen over the last year. Each one of you plays a crucial part in our success: families and students who choose Northeastern and thrive here; faculty and staff who provide a life-changing education and experience for our students, their families and communities as well as alumni; Board members and donors who support NEIU and allow us to advance our mission.

Best wishes,

Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D. Interim President, Northeastern Illinois University

Table of Contents

University Leadership |3

Meet the leadership of Northeastern.

Meet the Board |4

Learn about the Board of Trustees.

Academic Focus |7

See what some of our world-class faculty accomplished and read about our new programs.

University Highlights |11

We welcomed guest speakers, earned grants and had a number of administrative appointments.

Mosaic |16

Read experiences from our students in their words.

Employee Spotlights |18

Meet the new chief of police and the alumni team.

NEIU Foundation |20

Meet the NEIU Foundation Board.

Giving Societies and Donors |24

A list of our generous alumni and friends who have donated in fiscal year 2023.

In Memoriam |25

Tributes to members of our University community.

Celebrating Alumni |32

A recap of the 2023 Amplify I Elevate event

Editor:

Designer:

Photographer:

Senior

Contributors:

Copy

Chris Childers

Carrie Reffitt

Todd Crawford

Writer: Mary Kroeck

Sylvia Daniels and Liesl Downey

Editors: Anna Cannova, Mary Kroeck and Vesna Misoska

University Leadership

Established by the State of Illinois, the Board of Trustees has the authority and responsibility to operate, manage, control and maintain Northeastern Illinois University.

Ann Kalayil, Ph.D. B.A. ’82

Edwin Medina Student Trustee

B.S. ’22, MBA ’24

President’s Cabinet

Together with Interim President Bell-Jordan, the Cabinet oversees the implementation of the University’s Strategic Plan by promoting leadership in specific operational areas. Organized to promote the University’s mission, individually and collectively they support student learning, teaching and research; optimize and secure financial resources; and engage the broader community.

Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D., Interim President

R. Shayne Cofer, Ph.D., Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Terry C. Mena, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Manish Kumar, MBA, Vice President for Finance and Administration

Liesl V. Downey, B.A., Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Suleyma Perez, Ph.D., Senior Executive Director for Government Relations

Shireen Roshanravan, Ph.D., Executive Director for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Chris Childers, MBA, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

Marvin Garcia Vice Chair, M.A.’08

Anna Meresidis Secretary Betty Fleurimond

Michelle Morales M.A. ’12

J. Todd Phillips Chair

Front row, left to right: Terry C. Mena, R. Shayne Cofer, Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Liesl Downey Back row: Shireen Roshanravan, Suleyma Perez, Manish Kumar, Chris Childers

Jorge Leon

Paula Wolff, Ph.D. Pro Officer Tem

Marvin garcia I Vice chair

Marvin Garcia is a dedicated educator with four decades of experience in alternative education, specializing in serving at-risk youth at the secondary level. Currently, Garcia is the coordinator of the Humboldt Park Community as a Campus education initiative, overseeing three institutes that provide crucial programming for parents, youth leadership development and support services for school administrators and staff. Before this role, Garcia spent 13 years as the director of the Praxis Project at Alternative Schools Network, where he spearheaded network-wide professional development and leadership initiatives while fostering institutional partnerships to support staff credentials. His extensive career in education began at Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School, where he taught history for three years before serving as principal for 17 years. In addition to being a double alumnus of Northeastern (B.A. ’83 History, M.A. ’08 Educational Leadership) Garcia earned a Master of Arts in Adult Education from National Louis University.

Garcia was first appointed to the Board in 2010. As an alumnus, he has a deep-rooted connection to Northeastern and seeks to give back to the University, which has played a pivotal role in his life. Garcia is committed to the success of Northeastern and its people in every regard. Garcia finds enjoyment in various activities, including reading, dancing, bike riding, attending baseball games, and cherishing moments with friends and family, all while prioritizing the occasional energy nap. Garcia's academic background and practical experience uniquely position him to contribute to the NEIU Board of Trustees.

Betty Fleurimond I Trustee

Betty Fleurimond has more than 25 years of experience engaging with higher education and nonprofit research organizations across the globe. She is a principal in the Higher Education sector at Deloitte Consulting LLP and leads the firm’s Higher Education Cloud ERP Portfolio nationally. Fleurimond earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering, as well as a Master of Business Administration, from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Fleurimond’s passion for making a tangible impact is vital to helping Northeastern realize its highest vision. She brings her expertise in leadership and transformation in higher education to Northeastern’s Board of Trustees, working to strengthen governance and strategic planning. She has also co-authored several monographs on college students’ mental health, well-being and success. When she finds the time to take a break from her work life, Fleurimond enjoys cycling, yoga and the culinary arts.

Ann Kalayil, Ph.D. I Trustee

Ann P. Kalayil currently serves as Associate Vice President of Facilities and Construction at Columbia College Chicago. She previously served as Bureau Chief of Asset Management for Cook County government and Regional Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) Great Lakes Region. As the agency's regional chief executive, she headed operations that supported federal agencies and the U.S. Courts in six states. Prior, Kalayil worked for more than 18 years at the University of Chicago in Information Technology Services. She has taught courses at DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago and the University of Illinois Chicago. In addition to her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern (B.A. ’82 Computer Science), she earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois Chicago, a master’s degree in Asian Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a doctorate in History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Northeastern has played an important role in Kalayil’s life. She met her husband while they were both Northeastern students and has a sister, niece and other family and friends who are alumni. In 2012, and Kalayil received Northeastern’s Distinguished Alumnus Award.

All Things Academics

New and Renamed Programs

Effective Fall 2023, Northeastern is pleased to offer three new programs:

• Data Science, minor • Information Technology, minor

• Information Technology, major (previously a concentration in Bachelor of Science in Computer Science)

Northeastern is also proud to announce these additional concentrations and programs that have been approved for accelerated tracks, which allow students to complete programs at a faster pace by taking courses as undergraduate students that also count toward graduate program requirements. This helps students earn their master’s degrees in less time than traditional programs and also allows them to benefit from taking courses at the undergraduate tuition rate so they are able to graduate from their master’s programs with less debt.

Master of Public Health: additional concentration in Healthcare Administration

Early Childhood Education, B.A.: new concentration in Early Childhood Studies (non-licensure)

Biology, B.S.: B.S. and M.A. Teaching (MAT) in School Courses for the Exchange of Data (SCED) coursework approved for accelerated track

Spanish, B.A.: B.A. and M.A. coursework approved for accelerated track

Chemistry, B.S.: B.S. and M.S. coursework approved for accelerated track

English, B.A.: B.A. and M.A. or MAT coursework approved for accelerated track

History, B.A.: B.A. and M.A. coursework approved for accelerated track

Updates on New Academic Programs

Master of Science in Nursing

In September 2023, the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education named Gretchen LaCivita, DNP, as the new Executive Director of the University’s new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program.

Dr. LaCivita comes to Northeastern with almost 30 years of nursing experience. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, in 1994, a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2007, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Loyola University Chicago in 2018. Dr. LaCivita has been a passionate leader in nursing education for the last 14 years, achieving certifications in both nursing education and health care simulation.

The MSN program was approved by the University’s Board of Trustees in May 2023. Dr. LaCivita is continuing the process of obtaining accreditation and state approvals and is engaging with a variety of University stakeholders with the goal of being able to welcome the first cohort of MSN students in Fall 2025.

Doctorate of Education in Leadership, Equity and Inquiry

After two years of development, Northeastern took another step toward offering its first doctorate program. The Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in

Urban Education pivoted to an Ed.D. in Leadership, Equity and Inquiry. Founding Director of the Ed.D. Program Kamau Rashid noted the new program will empower educators to enact transformative change in their communities.

CROCUS Grant Update

In Fall 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded $25 million over five years to DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory and a team of academic and community leaders, which includes Northeastern, to advance urban climate science by studying climate change effects at local and regional scales. Argonne and their partners established an Urban Integrated Field Laboratory called Community Research on Climate and Urban Science (CROCUS), focusing on the Chicago region. On May 5, 2023, Northeastern became the first CROCUS partner to have a set of scientific instruments deployed. They were placed on the rooftop of Bernard J. Brommel Hall on the University’s Main Campus.

“We have a lot of students who are really interested in science and they are also interested in making the world a better place,” said Greg Anderson, Ph.D., Chair of the departments of Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, and Physics. “The kind of research we are doing with CROCUS combines scientific inquiry with issues of social and environmental justice. Being able to combine those two things together provides great opportunities for our students.”

Over the summer, the instruments collected information about the Canadian wildfire smoke that covered much of the area. Data collected from the instruments will also be used in class research projects and as part of the University’s new Data Science minor.

Peace Corps Prep Program

In Fall 2023, Northeastern launched the Peace Corp Prep (PC Prep) program, an undergraduate certificate program that combines targeted coursework with hands-on experience, foreign language proficiency, intercultural competence, professional and leadership development, and sector-specific skills in one of the Peace Corps’ six sectors. Building these competencies also give students a competitive edge when applying for Peace Corps service. The skills can be built upon and marketed throughout their careers. Established in 2007, PC Prep has partnerships with more than 125 leading academic institutions nationwide. The program aims to meet the demand for Peace Corps volunteers with a broad and relevant set of expertise, and to support the schools’ efforts to provide substantive, globally focused experiences for their students. Northeastern Illinois University is the only school in Chicago to offer this program.

“The Peace Corps Prep program at Northeastern Illinois University, which leads to a certificate issued by the Peace Corps, is a way to motivate our students to conceptualize their coursework beyond the confines of their major,” said Northeastern’s Peace Corps Prep Program Coordinator Denise Cloonan Cortez de Andersen. “It encourages students to be activists and educators for change in Chicago, throughout the U.S. and abroad.” Learn more at neiu.edu/peacecorpsprep

New graduate program: Human Developmental Science

In Fall 2024, Northeastern Illinois University will launch a new Master of Arts in Human Developmental Science degree program.

Housed in the Department of Psychology, the Human Developmental Science graduate program provides rigorous training in psychological theory as well as the statistical tools for studying human behavior and development. The program is centered on human growth that includes physical, perceptual, cognitive, personality, social and emotional areas across the human lifespan. Individuals will engage with faculty in classroom seminars and on individually tailored research projects spanning core developmental areas from infancy to adulthood and aging.

Northeastern previously offered a graduate program in Gerontology. However, by expanding the program from the study of later adulthood to the entire life cycle, students can leverage multiple areas of psychology in theory and practice.

Amanda Dykema-Engblade is the Acting Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and former Chair of the Department of Psychology.

Assistant Professor of Psychology Andrew Young. “Our 4+1 degree option will also be an amazing opportunity for current Northeastern Psychology majors who are seeking more advanced research and/or statistical skills and may want to attend top-tier Ph.D. programs.”

Dykema-Engblade and Acting Chair of the Department of Psychology Maureen Erber are pleased to offer this multidisciplinary degree program. The curriculum was developed after an exhaustive search of the kinds of psychology programs being offered in Chicago and surrounding areas, and shaped by the department to meet the needs of current students as well as professionals in the field. The program is intended to provide both breadth and depth in the study of human development and is unlike other psychology programs currently being offered in the city.

“Our focus was carefully developed to meet the needs of our undergraduate students as well as to welcome anyone interested in an M.A. in Psychology,” Erber said. “This program will give students knowledge and skills to create a bridge for them to really dig into research and more fully develop expertise to make them successful graduate school candidates and build fulfilling careers.”

OUR FOCUS WAS CAREFULLY DEVELOPED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AS WELL AS TO WELCOME ANYONE INTERESTED IN AN M.A. IN PSYCHOLOGY.

“The Human Developmental Science program is more expansive, which allows us to reach more students and leverage the expertise of our faculty members,” said Dykema-Engblade. “Instead of a distinct focus on end of life issues, students will be able to take classes and be engaged in research and internship opportunities that concentrate on development across the lifespan and the intersection with other core areas of psychology, such as social and cognitive psychology.”

Northeastern will also offer the program as a new accelerated degree 4+1 degree program for undergraduate students to earn their Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Human Developmental Science in five years.

“I’m extremely excited to provide more students opportunities to do master’s level research and projects with our entire faculty,” said

The Master of Arts in Human Developmental Science prepares students to enter fields in private industry, government, academics and nonprofits that require an understanding of human behavior and quantitative tools. In addition, the program will help prepare students for doctoral programs that can focus on child, adolescent and adult development covering topics on emotion, industrial psychology, social decision-making, social behavior, biopsychology and cognition, among many others.

Associate Professor of Psychology Shannon Saszik is also excited about the program because she feels the flexibility of the program will allow students to build on their own strengths and identify the pursuits that challenge them.

“The program is built so that the students have more control over their learning, which helps to provide an educational experience that aligns with the values of Northeastern, including providing access to opportunity and empowerment through learning,” said Saszik. “Students in this program can really ‘own’ their graduate experience. The Human Developmental Science program is creating another way for the University to fulfill its mission to prepare a diverse community of students for leadership and service in a dynamic multicultural world.”

Dr. Sharon L. Bethea

is inducted as President of the Association of Black Psychologists

Professor of Counselor Education and Inner City Studies and Coordinator of the African and African American Studies program

Sharon L. Bethea, Ph.D., became the 48th President of the Association of Black Psychologists, Inc. (ABPsi) at the ABPsi's 54th Annual Convention in Detroit, Michigan.

Guided by the principle of self-determination, ABPsi was founded in 1968 in San Francisco, California, by Black psychologists and Black students. Their mission was to address the needs and well-being of Black professionals and the Black community and to disrupt the status quo. Steeped in the science and scholarship of African Black Psychology, ABPsi's purpose is to promote and advance the profession of African Psychology, influence and affect social change, and develop programs whereby psychologists of African descent can assist in solving problems affecting Black communities and other ethnic groups. ABPsi hosts an enstoolment ceremony every two years to install its president. Enstoolment ceremonies are sacred and are derived from African tradition when a new chief is installed. Dr. Bethea’s enstoolment ceremony took place on July 22, 2023.

“As the 48th President of ABPsi, I absolutely adore our mission,” Dr. Bethea said. “The Association of Black Psychologists sees its mission and destiny as the liberation of the African mind, empowerment of the African character, and enlivenment and illumination of the African spirit.”

Dr. Bethea earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Missouri at Columbus, an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University and a B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University. Prior to being named president of ABPsi, Dr. Bethea served as the president of the association’s Chicago chapter. Additionally, Dr. Bethea is a co-founding member of the Genocide and Human Rights Research in Africa and the Diaspora Center (GHRAD Center) at Northeastern and member of the International Civil Society/Working Group for the United Nations Permanent Forum of People of African Descent (ICSWG). Dr. Bethea is certified in African/Black Psychology and has published numerous articles in professional journals and books, co-edited "Black Women’s Liberatory Pedagogies: Resistance, Transformation and Healing Within and Beyond the Academy," and has won several teaching awards, including the Student Choice Faculty Award, NEIU Black Heritage

Outstanding Faculty Award, and Research and Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Bethea’s current scholarship centers on the theoretical and practical dimensions of African-centered pedagogy, Sawubona healing circles, African traditional healing systems, human rights and genocide, civic engagement among African American and Tanzanian adolescents, and Oakland Freedom Schools. Dr. Bethea also facilitates study abroad programs with students and colleagues to Brazil, Egypt, Ghana, Tanzania and Burundi.

“Teaching NEIU students has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Dr. Bethea said. “I am very clear that I have been called to do this. NEIU students are some of the most brilliant and creative people I have met — and I say that as a person that has traveled to many places in the world including many universities. One of proudest moments for me as a human being is when I take NEIU students with me to explore the world. It’s life changing for them and for me.”

ABPsi has more than 1,400 members, its own scholarly journal (Journal of Black Psychology), an online career center, national and international programs, and thousands of publications and books concerning the theory and praxis of African Black Psychology.

As president, Dr. Bethea will continue to strengthen ABPsi's national and international presence, expand ABPsi's four national/international programs — certification in African Black Psychology, Sawubona Healing Circles, ABPsi Global Institute, public school consultation — and continue to nurture and educate the next generation of Black professionals through ABPsi's student circle.

“In an academic space where, many times, the essence of your human beingness and Africanity/Blackness is ignored and shunned, it is such a joy to be, zola [loved] upped on and sawubona [seen] by my incredible colleagues and the students of ABPsi,” Dr. Bethea said. “Being nominated and voted in as APBsi's 48th President is such an amazing and unbelievable honor. The mighty ancestors, elders and past presidents of APBsi are the shoulders upon which I stand for this incredible journey as ABPsi’s President. This is definitely the pinnacle of my career. I give a special thank you to my family, especially my Mom and Pops and my incredible son for their love and support. Ubuntu. [I am because we are.]”

Faculty Recognition & Awards

Brommel Research Award

Professor of History Christina Bueno, Ph.D., earned Northeastern’s 2023 Bernard J. Brommel Distinguished Research Professor award.

The late Bernard J. Brommel, Professor Emeritus, established the award to be given annually to the tenured or tenure-track member of the Northeastern faculty who best demonstrates excellence in research and scholarship. Bueno will receive $5,000 and will give a presentation about her research at a later date.

Bueno has been teaching at Northeastern for nearly 20 years. In addition to this recognition, she has earned numerous grants and awards for her research, which centers on how the country of Mexico — where Bueno grew up — has constructed its national history and how national histories are constructed through artifacts. Her book, “The Pursuit of Ruins: Archaeology, History, and the Making of Modern Mexico” (University of New Mexico Press, 2016), explores these themes as well as the impact of how manufacturing national identity impacted the country’s people.

“Winning this award has such a bright spot for me,” Bueno said. “I’m a Latin Americanist and I really love my field. It’s always felt comfortable and like home. I can just keep learning more and more about a region of the world that I’ve lived in and traveled a lot in and that I love. Teaching its history is always fun for me. I just want students to know about the region because it’s especially important for students in the United States to understand the connections between the U.S. and Latin America, including negative impacts of U.S. intervention in Latin America.”

Tenure and Promotion

Northeastern awarded tenure and promotion to associate professor to nine members of the faculty, effective Aug. 16, 2023. The following faculty members were introduced and approved by the Board of Trustees to receive this promotion during the Board’s April 13, 2023, meeting.

• Patricia Aguado, Social Work

• Samantha Brown-Xu, Chemistry

• Aissetu Barry Ibrahima, Social Work

• Ahmed Khaled, Computer Science

• Hsiao-Chin Kuo, Literacy, Leadership and Development

• Lauren Meranda, Art + Design

• Amanda Montes, Teacher Education

• Noreen Powers, Literacy, Leadership and Development

• Beth Reinke, Biology

Northeastern also awarded promotions to professor to the following faculty members:

• James Ball, Health, Sciences and Physical Education

• Amina Chaudhri, Teacher Education

• Sarah Cordell, Mathematics

• Gabriel Cortez, Literacy, Leadership and Development

• Mateo Farzaneh, History

• Brooke Johnson, Sociology

• Alberto Lopez-Carrasquillo, Teacher Education

• Christina Madda, Literacy, Leadership and Development

• Selina Mushi, Teacher Education

• Shayne Pepper, Communication, Media and Theatre

• Marina Polyashuk, Mathematics

• Vida Sačić, Art + Design

• Timothy H. Scherman, English

• Shedeh Tavakoli, Counselor Education

• Lisa Wallis, Department of Library

• Xiaohong Wang, Accounting, Business Law and Finance

• Nancy Wrinkle, Mathematics

• Qiumei (Jane) Xu, Management and Marketing

Reynolds Teaching Award

Northeastern selected Durene I. Wheeler, Ph.D., as the 2023 recipient of the Audrey Reynolds Distinguished Teaching Award. Wheeler is a professor in the departments of Educational Inquiry and Curriculum Studies (Educational Foundations and Master of Arts in Community and Teacher Leaders [MACTL] programs); African and African American Studies; and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Professor Emerita of Linguistics Audrey Reynolds established the award to be given annually to a tenured member of the Northeastern faculty who best demonstrates distinguished teaching. Wheeler will receive $5,000 and give a presentation regarding excellence in teaching.

Wheeler, who has been teaching at Northeastern for 17 years, believes there are some key components to being a good educator: compassion, cultural awareness, building community and staying current.

“I feel like if you don’t have compassion, empathy and understanding, you’re going to be too rigid to roll with what some of the things that some young people or individuals have to contend with,” Wheeler said. “An educator also has to be culturally aware and constantly trying to learn about the multiple identities and histories and stories of students and their families because that has to come into play in the curriculum. I feel like my students are invested and committed because I make sure that they can see multiple representations, voices and perspectives in the content. They can see themselves.”

University Highlights

Tree Campus USA

For the eighth consecutive year, Northeastern Illinois University earned a Tree Campus Higher Education recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for promoting healthy trees and engaging the University community in conservation efforts.

In order to earn this distinction, the University had to meet the five core standards for effective campus forest management according to Tree Campus Higher Education: a tree advisory committee, a campus tree care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for a campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and a student service-learning project.

This award was made possible through the collaborative efforts of faculty and staff members in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, the Department of Biology and Facilities Management.

U.S. News & World Report rankings

For the 10th year in a row, Northeastern graduated its students with the least amount of student debt among Midwest regional universities, according to the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” publication. Northeastern also ranked No. 45 in social mobility.

Speakers Guest

Northeastern proudly hosted four prominent speakers in 2023, who each shared their lived experiences and expertise through dynamic speeches and engaging dialogues.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul was the May 2023 Commencement speaker. Raoul, who also served as an Illinois State Senator for 14 years, delivered an inspiring speech to our graduates and guests, and was presented with an honorary doctorate during the ceremony.

Alejandra Campoverdi, author of the best-selling book “First Gen: A Memoir,” shared her personal story about navigating social mobility as a first-generation Latina in the U.S. at the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs in November. *Pictured above.

The Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education welcomed Gholnecsar (Gholdy) E. Muhammad, Ph.D. for the 10th annual Jean Burke Carlson and Diane Berger Ehrlich Memorial Lecture. Muhammad's talk, titled “Cultivating Genius and Joy in Education Through Culturally and Historically Responsive Pedagogies,” presented her equity framework, called HILL Pedagogies, to help educators develop students’ histories, identities, literacies and liberation.

*Pictured left.

Olga Camargo, CEO of FARO Associates LLC, a Latina/woman-owned/Minority Business Enterprise, was the December 2023 Commencement speaker. An entrepreneur and finance expert, Camargo became the first Latina to serve as Chair of the Northeastern Illinois University Foundation Board in February 2023. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Camargo’s speech touched on the business acumen and struggles of her mother, the owner of a bridal shop in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.

*Read more on page 28.

El Centro

named one of “The Most Beautiful Places in

Chicago”

El Centro, Northeastern’s Avondale location, was featured in the WTTW television show “The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago” hosted by eight-time Emmy Award-winning public television writer, producer, and program host Geoffrey Baer. El Centro was the only higher education building to make the list.

New Appointments

R. Shayne Cofer

Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

R. Shayne Cofer, Ph.D., was named Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective July 13, 2023.

Dr. Cofer joined the Office of Academic Affairs in 2016 and previously served as Acting Associate Provost. He became Northeastern's Associate Provost in January 2020. Dr. Cofer has served the University in the Office of Academic Affairs under multiple provosts and across multiple administrations, supporting and leading Academic Affairs in executing a series of initiatives, including Northeastern’s 2017 accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the University’s 2022 reaccreditation process with the HLC.

Among his additional accomplishments on behalf of the Office of Academic Affairs, Dr. Cofer has represented Northeastern as a member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Leadership Team, as liaison to the HLC, as well as Chair of the Council of Member Institutions to the Governing Board of the University Center of Lake County (UCLC). He has also led Academic Affairs in the area of University assessment and academic advising. He has provided oversight and support for curriculum development processes and review by the HLC and IBHE as well as primary oversight of the retention, tenure and promotion process for Northeastern faculty. He has served the Office of the President in the planning and development of the Faculty Institute since its inception in 2018. Dr. Cofer also demonstrated strong leadership in supporting the University's response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the COVID-19 Task Force and the Academic Affairs COVID-19 Transition Team, as Co-Chair of the University’s Instructional Laboratory/Studio/Experiential Learning Working Group during 2020, and the Return to Campus planning for research and creative activities in 2021.

Dr. Cofer earned a Ph.D. and M.A. in Music Education at The University of Iowa and a B.M. in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education at the University of Idaho. He came to Northeastern as an Assistant Professor in 1998, joining the Department of Music, where he served as Chair of the Music and the Dance Program from 2003-2016. Under his leadership as Chair, the Music Program was awarded accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) in 2009 and earned reaffirmation in 2014 of its NASM accreditation through 2024.

Other appointments and promotions

• Jeremy Babcock, Interim Director of First-Year Experience programs

• Rona Castaneda, Senior Director of Budget, Planning, and Forecasting

• Amanda A. Dykema-Engblade, Ph.D., Acting Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

• Pamela Geddes, Ph.D., Interim Co-Director of the Living Learning Communities program

• Effie Kritikos, Ph.D., Interim Associate Provost/University Contract Administrator

• Gretchen LaCivita, DNP, Executive Director, M.S. Nursing program

• Tim Libretti, Ph.D., Acting Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

• Irma Ortiz, Interim Associate Vice President for Student Success and Retention

• Sudha Srinivas, Ph.D., Acting Associate Provost for Innovation and Academic Assessment

• Ken Voglesonger, Ph.D., Acting Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

• Rahshida Walker, University Registrar

• Qiumei "Jane" Xu, Ph.D., Associate Dean, College of Business and Technology

New scholarship for undergraduate Computer Science students

In September, Northeastern and the Society for Information Management (SIM) Chicago announced a new partnership, resulting in the first scholarship for undergraduate students in the Department of Computer Science. As part of its philanthropic efforts, SIM Chicago awarded two $2,500 scholarships in Fall 2023, and has an ongoing partnership with Northeastern to award scholarships to students annually. The scholarships will be administered through the Northeastern Illinois University Foundation in partnership with the University’s College of Business and Technology.

International students awarded Western Union Foundation scholarships

The Western Union Foundation named Velma Elba (current student, B.S. Biology) and Gladie Ngiama (current student, B.S. Computer Science) recipients of their 2023 Global Scholars Program scholarships. The Global Scholars Program supports international students from economically challenged communities who study in Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, the U.S. and the United Kingdom — some of the world’s leading destinations for international students.

MOUs increasing environmental career opportunities for students

In May 2023, Northeastern and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a memorandum of understanding that will help increase environmental knowledge and research and community engagement while providing enhanced academic and career opportunities for students from historically underrepresented groups. The agreement between Northeastern and the EPA highlights a shared commitment to protecting public health, improving environmental sustainability and creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to gain valuable experience. The EPA is committed to its work with universities to promote environmental stewardship and create a more sustainable and equitable future through its College/Underserved Community Partnership Program.

Black Ensemble Theater

In October 2023, Northeastern partnered with the Black Ensemble Theater (BE) to address the historic and contemporary effects of racism on the communities we serve and the people on whose land our institution was built. The BE is the only theater in the nation founded with the explicit mission to eradicate racism. As an official Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation campus center, Northeastern’s partnership with the BE is a step toward a two-way collaborative bridge to further our shared mission of increasing access to holistic and culturally responsive educational opportunities. Specifically, this partnership will focus on integrating creative arts with a critical retention/learning component infused throughout academic affairs, advising and co-curricular programming.

Grants

NIU-NEIU Affiliation

Northeastern and the Northern Illinois University (NIU) College of Law have two agreements in place to better serve our pre-law students. The NIU-NEIU Diversity

School Counseling graduate program awarded

$4.27 million grant

The U.S. Department of Education awarded Northeastern’s School Counseling program a fiveyear, $4.27 million Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant to address the U.S. Department of Education’s call to expand the capacity of mental health providers in high-need schools. Over the course of the grant, Northeastern’s MHSP team, led by Assistant Professor of Counselor Education Beth Gilfillan, Ph.D., will focus on increasing the number of School Counseling interns in high-need schools by 50%, increasing the percentage of School Counseling students from diverse backgrounds by 10%, and significantly increasing School Counseling interns’ competencies in inclusive practices from the start of the internship year to the end of the internship year. This will be achieved through a unique training program, which will include a series of workshops. Students will also receive a stipend for School Counseling internships in high-need schools. “We are incredibly honored and excited to receive this grant, as we know it will not only positively impact the lives of our graduate students, but also the pK-12 students they will support during their internships,” Gilfillan said.

Advancing broadband equity with $3.25

million grant

Through a partnership with Chicago State University, the University of Illinois Chicago, Northern Illinois University and the Illinois Innovation Network, Northeastern is working to expand broadband access in Chicago communities that have historically endured segregation and divestment. Advancing Broadband Equity through Learning Intermediaries in the Neighborhoods of Chicago (ABE-LINC) will tackle the gap in access to information and communications technology with a $3.25 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. In Chicago, more than 15% of households do not have access to the internet or internet-enabled devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones. ABE-LINC will expand broadband services, distribute laptops and improve digital literacy through community navigators who will conduct community outreach and training.

Afghan Refugee Transition Program receives $1.25 million from Illinois General Assembly

After the United States withdrew troops from Afghanistan in the summer of 2021, the Chicago area welcomed more than 1,100 Afghan refugees. In October 2021, Northeastern established the Afghan Transition Program (ARTP) to allow qualified refugees full scholarships, including housing, beginning in Fall 2022. Since ARTP was established, five students have graduated from Northeastern. To continue the support of this work, which aligns with the University’s values, the Illinois General Assembly awarded Northeastern $1.25 million to serve students from July 2023 through June 2024. Currently, 20 students are enrolled at the University through ARTP.

U.S. Department of Education awards $2.99 million SPEED grant

The U.S. Department of Education’s Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans program awarded Northeastern a five-year, $2.99 million grant to support the Strengthening Post-baccalaureate Enrollment Education and Degree completion (SPEED) initiative. SPEED is focused on enhancing the educational experiences of Hispanic and other underrepresented, low-income graduate students. Through this funding, SPEED is dedicated to two primary goals: to improve student success by addressing social, emotional and academic needs, and to strengthen pathways to postsecondary degree completion with high-quality, accessible learning opportunities. These goals are advanced through targeted programs including specialized career-related workshops, community internships, faculty development, graduate tuition waivers, peer-to-peer mentoring programs and interdisciplinary courses. All of these goals were developed to foster academic success and professional readiness.

Northeastern receives $2.99 million Developing HSIs Title V grant

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Northeastern a five-year, $2.99 million grant under their Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program - Title V. This grant will support the Title V: Transforming and Advancing Student Success Through Excellence and Learning Supports (TASSELS) program. TASSELS offers a comprehensive approach to supporting Hispanic and low-income students on their pathways to success. The goals of this program include improving first-to-second year and second-to-third year retention rates, strengthening pathways from enrollment to graduation and post-graduation success, improving academic program delivery, and aligning curriculum to standards and career needs to facilitate transitions from degrees to careers. The activities employed to meet these needs include building a one-stop enrollment center to bring academic advising units together in a designated space for students, establishing a Humanities/Social Science Center, revising First-Year Experience (FYE) courses to reflect best practices, and developing a second-year seminar that builds on FYE and provides additional support to students.

Scholars Program seeks to increase the number of academically qualified diverse students enrolled in law schools by working to improve access for historically underrepresented groups. This two-year project prepares NEIU students to be successful in the law school application process and supports students through mentorship as well as a curriculum to instill confidence in students. There are currently five NEIU students enrolled in this program. The NIU-NEIU 3+3 Accelerated Law Degree Program will allow NEIU students to apply to the NIU College of Law during their junior year at NEIU. If an NEIU student is accepted into the accelerated program, they will begin their juris doctor program at NIU during their senior year and receive both a bachelor’s degree from NEIU and a juris doctor degree from NIU upon completion of the program, which is expected to take a total of six years for a student to complete.

DeMara Campbell

(B.A. ’17 Psychology; M.A. ’20 Educational Leadership: Higher Education)

Troy Davenport Assistant Manager Human Resources

Jessie Fuentes

(B.A. ’13 Justice Studies; M.A. ’18 Community and Teacher Leaders)

Laurie Fuller

Professor and Program Advisor Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Nicole Holland

Professor, Educational Inquiry and Curriculum Studies with a core faculty appointment in African and African American Studies

Manish Kumar Vice President Finance and Administration

Saul Manon-Arellano

(B.A. ’23 Justice Studies)

Brooke Mullins

(M.A. ’23 Linguistics)

2023 Inclusive Excellence & Diversity Awards President's

Lincoln LaureateAwardee

2023-2024 Fellows

Every fall semester, The Lincoln Academy of Illinois honors one graduating senior from each of the state’s four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities who demonstrates excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. Northeastern’s 2023 Lincoln Academy Student Laureate is Bianca “Mykee” Vives, a current Psychology major and Mathematical and Statistical Modeling of Complex Systems minor.

Vives, who plans to graduate in Spring 2024, is grateful for all the faculty and staff at Northeastern who’ve gotten her to where she is today. She noted she was especially grateful to the MARC U-STAR faculty and staff; Assistant Professor of Psychology Andrew Young, who is the primary investigator for a research project Vives is working on; and University Honors Program Coordinator Jon Hageman, for nominating her for the award.

“At Northeastern I found a very supportive and understanding environment, and the longer I stayed the more impressed I was with the quality of the professors and the genuine care displayed by all the faculty,” Vives said. “I am so thankful for the opportunities that NEIU has given me.”

The purpose of the Diversifying Faculty in Illinois (DFI) program is to diversify the faculty and professional staff at higher education institutions across the state. The DFI Fellowship provides tuition, and a $10,000-$20,000 stipend per academic year, in addition to mentorship, career advising and support, opportunities to present research, and access to a community of fellows and participation in the annual DFI Conference. Northeastern’s 2023-2024 DFI Fellows are:

Awards Employee Excellence

Jesus Lopez: Master of Social Work

Erika Mora Villegas: (BSW ’23), Master of Social Work

Phuong Nguyen: Master of Social Work

Crystalynn Ortiz: (B.A. ’22 History), M.A. History

Jennifer Estrada: (B.A. ’21 Psychology), M.A. Higher Education Leadership (ENLACE)

Sussan Oladipo: (M.A. ’20 Literacy Education), M.S. Chemistry

Northeasten's Employee Excellence Awards acknowledge, honor and award employees. Nominations were submitted by co-workers, faculty or self-nominations. Once submitted, all nominations were reviewed by the Employee Excellence Award Committee, which chose the awardees based on their contribution to student success; demonstration of overall excellence in work performance; carrying-out consistent and quality service; creative problem-solving and initiatives; and commitment to fostering growth through leadership and teamwork. The 2023 awardees were:

Kip Conwell

Jeanette Hernandez-Kalin Rogelio Edrington Civil Service Civil Service Civil Service Laboratory Manager, Biology Administrative Aide, World Languages and Cultures Mail Services Manager

WE ARE A MOSAIC.

MEET A FEW FROM OUR AMAZING

COMMUNITY.

At Northeastern, diversity is in our DNA. We believe in who our students are and who they want to be. Ours is a safe environment to nurture creativity and celebrate their authentic selves. Their values, experiences, perspectives and goals are understood and appreciated.

We are proud of our welcoming campus culture and our student-focused staff, faculty and leadership. We help students build connections across campus so they always feel a part of our community. Every student adds a piece to our mosaic. Here are some of their stories, in their words. Discover more at neiu.edu/mosaic.

ROY CASES

TRANSFER STUDENT | COMMUNICATION, MEDIA AND THEATRE (CMT)

“At Northeastern, diversity doesn't just mean multicultural. It also means multigenerational. It means having a wide range of views and finding common ground in pursuit of education and the good for humanity and future generations.

I had been to four different colleges before my time at NEIU, and this was the first time I had really gotten involved and immersed myself. I met a ton of people of different ages. It was neat to meet people from all walks of life. And having smaller classes made it easier to interact and get to know people.

I would recommend transferring to NEIU for the cost, community and professors. The University helps tremendously in trying to make school affordable for students. The teachers also go the extra mile to help and they are very passionate. My internship under Todd Crawford was an awesome opportunity to grow in my photography skills and Professor Edie Rubinowitz in the CMT department was more than willing to share her connections and encourage us in our strengths. She went above and beyond to make sure I succeeded.”

ALICIA THOMPSON

TRANSFER STUDENT | BIOLOGY

“I transferred to Northeastern because I wanted to start the next part of my education after watching family and friends do their part during the pandemic. I wanted to use science to help people, too.

From day one, my teachers took an interest in my future goals and in helping me in my studies. Through the McNair Scholars Program, I’ve worked with an amazing professor, Dr. Cindy Voisine, who has taught me so much about how to craft a research question and run a laboratory as a lab manager. Programs like McNair were not available in community college. I have been able to do so much in so little time because of the program and professors like Dr. Voisine.

My sister already transferred to NEIU after I told her how amazing it is. I love the smaller class sizes, the one-on-one attention, and the wealth of programs to help students with their academic and career goals.

Northeastern is close to home and it’s affordable compared to other universities in Chicago. Scholarships and special programs are posted all over the school and available at Student Center for Science Engagement (SCSE) and the Financial Aid Office.”

EJ SCHUMACHER

PLEASANT PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL | BIOLOGY

“At Northeastern there is a spot for everyone. There are students from many backgrounds who are pursuing their education in many different ways: first-time college students of all ages, students returning to school for whatever reason, students who want to be involved on campus and students who just want to get their degrees.

I am grateful that NEIU has given me the opportunity to start a new path in life. One faculty member who stands out is Dr. Tom Campbell, my BIO 202 professor during my first semester. From the first day, he made a conscious effort to get to know all of his students on an individual level and used this personal knowledge to connect the class work to our interests. He gave us a level of freedom in our work that inspired me to explore my education in my own way.

Most of my growth has occurred outside of the classroom. I’ve attended lectures and workshops, participated in affinity groups, taken on leadership roles and made some incredible connections. My confidence in my voice has grown and my passion for learning has increased exponentially.”

MARY ROJA MENDEM BENGALURU UNIVERSITY, INDIA | MBA

“I am passionate about finance and decided to pursue a graduate degree for increased exposure to the industry and better knowledge and an improved skill set in my field. Northeastern was the right choice for me because it was the best institute with knowledgeable faculty and gave me many opportunities.

NEIU was affordable because of the reasonable fee structures, scholarship opportunities and part-time job opportunities. I would absolutely recommend NEIU to someone. I’ve been impressed by the hospitality and the quality of the academics here. The faculty stands out for the experience-based learning they provide.

I’ve had an amazing graduate school experience at Northeastern and my degree gives me better opportunities and the ability to view the industry from a different lens.”

DIANA LOPEZ

CURIE METROPOLITAN HIGH SCHOOL | PSYCHOLOGY

“The Northeastern community is awesome and the professors are all very knowledgeable and caring. I feel like I am part of a big family here and I have never felt that way before. I used to be shy and scared to ask for help, but here I’ve learned that people will help you throughout your academic journey.

NEIU has given me many opportunities to grow. Taking certain classes has made me more self-aware and helped me realize why I am the way that I am. My advisors help me in any way they can whether it's with financial aid, choosing classes, or graduate programs. I have received good grades and have made it to the dean's list and that has encouraged me to keep trying.

At Northeastern, you will definitely feel welcomed as soon as you step foot on campus. The faculty truly care about your success and are always there to help.”

MOHAMMAD FAIZAN ANSARI LALA LAJPATRAI COLLEGE, INDIA | MBA

“I decided to pursue a graduate degree because I always wanted to do my Master of Business Administration and learn the fundamentals of the business environment. I also felt it was important to understand the whole dynamic of business to be a good entrepreneur.

Northeastern has been good in terms of flexibility and cultural diversity. The faculty are very experienced and active to help students get the best learning and results.

What surprised me most about NEIU was the beautiful campus, cultural diversity and student organizations. The school has been affordable because there are opportunities for international students to work on campus and graduate assistant programs.”

Joseph Przybyla, Ph.D.

NORTHEASTERN

NAMES POLICE CHIEF

I ENCOURAGE ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF AND VISITORS TO BE AWARE OF THE RESOURCES AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY THE NEIU POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Northeastern Illinois University hired Joseph Przybyla as its Chief of Police, effective May 12, 2023. Przybyla was preceded as Chief of Police by John Escalante.

Escalante retired from active law enforcement in August 2022 after 36 years of service, which included serving as the First Deputy Superintendent for the Chicago Police Department (CPD). Upon Escalante's departure, Assistant Administrative Director of the Northeastern Police Department Cindy Guerra — who was the first Latina in the CPD’s Mounted Unit — was appointed interim director. Guerra, who retired from CPD in 2021 after 27 years of service, departed Northeastern upon Przybyla’s appointment.

“I am proud to continue building upon the solid framework established by Chief Escalante and appreciate everything he did for Northeastern during his tenure as Chief of Police,” Przybyla said.

Prior to Northeastern, Przybyla served as a commander and paramedic in the Department of Police and Public Safety at Northern Illinois University since 2002. Additionally, he served as an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at Kishwaukee College. He also served as a community service officer for the Plainfield Police Department.

In June 2023, Przybyla earned a Ph.D. in International Law and Diplomacy from the State University of Tetovo, North Macedonia. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from North Central University in San Diego, California.

“I encourage all students, faculty, staff and visitors to be aware of the resources and training opportunities offered by the NEIU Police Department,” Przybyla said. “Our officers are committed to initiating and maintaining close ties with the University community. Feel free to call or stop by our station, located in the Parking Facility, to ask any questions about security issues that are important to you.”

Anna Augustyn and Lauren Lenart-Proctor are Northeastern’s go-to-gals for Alumni Relations! In 2023, the Office of Alumni Relations welcomed Augustyn as an Associate Director and Lenart-Proctor as an Assistant Director.

As a double alumna of Northeastern, Augustyn (B.A. ’17 Political Science and Global Studies, M.A. ’20 Political Science) has a long history with the University and has firsthand experience in what a Northeastern education can offer a student. She took advantage of opportunities to get involved by serving as the Illinois Board of Higher Education Student Advisory Council representative for the Student Government Association and held executive roles in the Pre-Law Society, French Club, and Human Rights Student Organization. She

alumni relations

ANNA AUGUSTYN & LAUREN LENART-PROCTOR

Lenart-Proctor earned her Bachelor of Science in Photography and minor in Communication Studies from Illinois State University (ISU). Throughout her time at ISU, Lenart-Proctor was a resident assistant, student photographer, housing tour guide and front desk manager. Upon her graduation, she participated in the Disney College Program at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. She is also a certified Coffee Master through the Starbucks Coffee Academy program.

“I’m really excited to be working at NEIU,” Lenart-Proctor said. “I frequently visit my alma mater and hope I can encourage alumni here to do the same. It’s important to stay connected and enjoy your post-graduate life as much as you may have enjoyed your time enrolled as a student.”

NEIU IS MY HOME.

IN MY WORK, I HOPE TO EMPOWER ALUMNI AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO STAY CONNECTED WITH THEIR ALMA MATER.

excelled academically and was a Presidential Scholar and Honors Program graduate, earning her bachelor’s degree with magna cum laude honors. She also studied abroad at the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland, and spent a summer semester at Hansung University in Seoul, South Korea. Augustyn also interned for the Illinois Regional Archives Depository at the Ronald Williams Library and for former Illinois State Sen. Karen McConnaughay.

“I’m immensely proud to call myself a Golden Eagle,” Augustyn said. “NEIU is my home. In my work, I hope to empower alumni and encourage them to stay connected with their alma mater.”

Augustyn has an additional reason for keeping students engaged when they become alumni. Her sister, Kathryn, is a current graduate student in the M.A. School Counseling program.

“I’m here to serve the interests of our graduates and elevate our post-graduate programming,” Augustyn said. “My goal is to connect alumni with our University partners so they can successfully transition from students to graduates and step into their next roles with confidence. I hope to build relationships, celebrate success and create spaces for others to do the same.”

NEIU Foundation

Reflecting on this first year serving as President of the Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) Foundation Board, I am humbled and honored to share with you a message of profound gratitude. Our donors — who have invested time, energy and financial resources in Northeastern — are part of an ecosystem that ensures access to the affordable, excellent education NEIU provides.

It has been a privilege for the Foundation Board to work alongside our donor community, visionary leaders like former Board of Trustees Chair José Rico and fellow Trustees, and in partnership with Interim President Bell-Jordan and University colleagues. Together we are expanding support for the students we are privileged to serve.

The mission and priorities of the NEIU Foundation are designed to provide philanthropic interventions that help eliminate barriers facing Northeastern’s low-income, first generation, nontraditional and minority students.

The Foundation’s commitment to you is to ensure lasting, consistent, intergenerational support to the University through the fiduciary management and stewardship of its endowed funds.

Through generous contributions and responsible investment, the NEIU Foundation’s endowment value at the end of FY23 was $18,354,644, a 43.7% ($5.6 million) increase within the last five fiscal years. As a result, the Foundation has more than doubled endowment drawdown in

NEIU Foundation Board

Fiscal Year 2024 Currently Serving Board Members

support of scholarships, programs and services from $260,000 in FY19 to $574,000 in FY23.

Without its exceptional community of supporters, including the 1,209 donors who contributed in Fiscal Year 2023, the NEIU Foundation could not achieve any of this. You are imagining a world where access to an excellent, affordable education is not just for some, but for all.

Each of you who have supported the NEIU Foundation, at every level and in modest or magnificent ways, have been central to Northeastern’s mission. Your kindness and enduring commitment to Northeastern, demonstrated in so many ways, helps us create a brighter future and we are most grateful.

Always true to NEIU,

NEIU Foundation Board

Fiscal Year 2023

(July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023)

• John Roskopf, President (*January 2023)

• Kenn Ashley, Treasurer (*January 2023)

• Mark Van Ausdal, Secretary (*January 2023)

• Jagannath Bobji

• Olga Camargo

• Jaime di Paulo, (**August 2023)

• Gregg Friedman

• Rodrigo Garcia

• Sharon K. Hahs

• Margaret Laurino

• Alan Mares, Student Liaison (through May 2023)

• Marcellus H. Moore, Jr.

• J. Todd Phillips, (*January 2023)

• Patrick Shine

• Salme Harju Steinberg, (*October 2023)

*Indicates Emeritus/a Status

NEIU Foundation Advisory Council status

Olga Camargo President, Northeastern Illinois University Foundation Board

Cassaundra Garcia Student Liason Joined November 2023 Rodrigo Garcia Margaret Laurino

Giving Societies

The NEIU Foundation is grateful for the generosity of alumni and friends who provided financial support during Fiscal Year 2023 (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023).

Cumulative Giving Recognition

The President’s Circle is cumulative-based and measures total giving. Members receive invitations to exclusive events. In addition, members qualify for the University’s highest recognition awarded to benefactors of the institution: The Wentworth Prize. This prize is given by the NEIU Foundation and recognizes the significant investment made by donors in support of the University’s Mission.

Gold

$1,000,000 +

• Dr. Bernard J. Brommel *

• Ms. Sasha L. Gerritson and Mr. Eugene P. Jarvis

• Mr. Daniel L. Goodwin *

• JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

* Indicates deceased

-$999,999

Anonymous

• MacArthur Foundation

• The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

• Revada Foundation of the Logan Family

$100,000 - $499,999

• Anonymous (3)

• The Chicago Community Trust

• Consulate General of Mexico

• Farzaneh Family Foundation

• First USA Bank, N.A.

• Dr. Lawrence P. Frank

• Lloyd A. Fry Foundation

• Greater Milwaukee Foundation - Donald P. Timm Fund

• President Emerita Sharon Hahs and Dr. Billy Hahs

• Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County

• Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement

• The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc.

• Mr. James Kaszubowski *

• Mr. Martin J. Kral *

Annual Giving Recognition

• Estate of Mary Krebs Smyth

• Dr. Jacqueline Krump *

• Mr. Hilton Leibow* and Mrs. Shirley Leibow *

• Liberation Ventures Via PolicyLink

• Ms. Leslie W. MacDonald

• Dr. Calixto J. Masó *

• Alice K. Murata, Ph.D.

• Mr. Thomas F. Power Jr.* and Mrs. Loretta Power

• Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rocci

• Ms. Judith Schust *

• Dr. Charles W. Shabica and Mrs. Susan Shabica

• President Emerita Salme Harju Steinberg and Dr. Michael Steinberg

• United Student Aid Funds, Inc.

• University of Chicago

The Wentworth Society builds upon the University’s history as an important educational institution within the city of Chicago. It is named for Daniel Sanborn Wentworth, founding superintendent of the Cook County Normal School, and the dates associated with it reflect significant milestones in Northeastern’s history. Membership in this society is based on annual giving, and members receive unique benefits including exclusive invitations to events to learn about the University’s new initiatives.

$50,000 +

• Anonymous

• Ms. Sasha L. Gerritson and Mr. Eugene P. Jarvis

• Illinois Principals Association

• Mr. Martin J. Kral *

• Estate of Mary Krebs Smyth

• Liberation Ventures Via PolicyLink

• Revada Foundation of the Logan Family

• Ms. Judith Schust *

• Clementine Fund

• Mr. Michael C. Haas

$25,000 - $49,999 $10,000 -

• After School Matters, Inc.

• Mr. John L. Amundsen and Ms. Sarah Kane

• Greater Milwaukee Foundation - Donald P. Timm Fund

• Ms. Marion K. Ishii *

• Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement

• Alice K. Murata, Ph.D.

• Ms. Leslie W. MacDonald

• Ms. Cathy A. Petersen

• Mr. David Reuter

• Dr. Allen Shub and Mrs. Susan Shub

• Linda Sienkiewicz

• President Emerita Salme Harju Steinberg and Dr. Michael Steinberg

• Dr. Peter W. Stonebraker

• Mr. Anthony J. Bilotti and Ms. Emma A. Kowalenko

• Mr. Jay Coen Gilbert

• Consulate General of Mexico

• Mr. Emanuel Cruz

• Dr. A. Michael Drachler and Mrs. Nancy Drachler

• Mr. Jeffrey Ehrlich

• Farzaneh Family Foundation

• Mr. Louis Figueroa

• Mrs. Fern and Dr. Sanford Finkel

• Dr. Gloria J. Gibson

• Inter American University of Puerto Rico

• Mr. David W. Johnson

• Dr. Patricia A. Justice

• Microsoft Matching Gift Program

• Dr. Audrey L. Reynolds

• Mrs. Madeleine Slingerland and Mr. Hank Slingerland

• Mr. James Sperans

• University of Pittsburgh

• Family of Arnold and Adele Weil

• Wellington UCC

Founders Society

The Founders Society recognizes donors who notify the University that they have included Northeastern in their estate plans. We are grateful to all who choose to leave legacy gifts.

• Anonymous (3)

• Dr. Daniel Benjamin Bailey

• Dr. Jennifer R. Banas

• Dr. Harold E. Berlinger *

• Mr. Richard M. Berlinger *

• Mr. Lawrence Bernstein

• Mr. Stewart E. Brekke

• Dr. Bernard J. Brommel *

• Mr. Blair Brommel

• Mr. and Mrs. Bradley J. Brommel

• Mr. Brian Brommel

• Ms. Michaela A. Brommel

• Ms. Claudette A. M. Daley

• David P. Dewar, Ph.D.

• Rory Donnelly *

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Leader Society

The Leader Society is Northeastern’s foundational society and is based on annual giving. The name reflects the University’s mission of “preparing a diverse community of students for leadership and service.”

Visionary

($2,500 - $4,999)

Mr. Kenn Ashley and Mrs. Lyn Ashley

Mr. Jagannath Bobji

Ms. Anita G. Brandes

Aspira, Inc. of Illinois

Ms. Joyce Chelberg

Dr. Daysi X. Diaz-Strong

Mr. Michael Downey and Ms. Liesl Downey

President Emerita Sharon Hahs and Dr. Billy Hahs

Ms. Jean A. Kelchauser

Mr. and Mrs. Brandon and Jessica Mueller

Mrs. Sally F. Mullan

Dr. Selina Mushi

PayPal

Ms. Sheila L. Rotman

Ms. Elizabeth Rudolph

Mrs. Marta Masó Sayeed and Mr. Hassan Sayeed

Mr. Victor A. Sciborski

Mr. Mark R. Van Ausdal and Mrs. Cheryl Van Ausdal

Champion

($1,000 - $2,499)

Anonymous

Dr. Tony Adams and Dr. Gerardo Moreno

Dr. John S. Al-Bazi

Mrs. Celia Jill Althage

Mrs. Julia A. Anderson

Dr. Carlos M. Azcoitia

Mr. Alan Becker and Mrs. Mary J. Becker

Dr. Katrina E. Bell-Jordan

Mr. Tom Benson

Mr. Joel R. Berger

James and Margaret Blair

Mr. James B. Carlson

Mrs. Olga Camargo and Mr. Jaime Alvarez

Mr. Donald Robertson Chauncey, Jr.

Mr. Joseph M. Check

Mrs. Joyce T. Chen

Dr. R. Shayne Cofer

Mr. Danny Crawford and Mrs. Claudia Crawford

Dr. Andrea E. Evans

Mr. Gregory J. Evansky

Patti Eylar

Mr. Gregg A. Friedman

Dr. Laurie S. Fuller

Mr. Marvin Garcia

Ms. Donna L. Goering

Mr. Thomas Gramins and Mrs. Mary Gramins

Greater Chicago Food Depository

Dr. Jon B. Hageman and Ms. Susan Bax

Mr. Steven R. Harris

Mr. John Hilburger

Dr. Katherine Hild-Mosley and Dr. Robert Mosley

Human Rights Watch

Mr. Joseph M. Jakcsy

Mr. David Kamper and Mrs. Amelia Mechla

Ms. Elizabeth M. Kane

Ms. Mary T. Keating *

Charlene R. Kornoski-Du Vall and James Du Vall

The Honorable Margaret Laurino

Ms. Huong T. Le

Dr. Carleen S. Lorys and Mr. Jan M. Lorys

Dr. Elyse J. Mach*

Maine Community Foundation

Ms. Kathleen A. Martin

Dr. Blase E. Masini

Mr. Carlos Melian and Ms. Helga Scherer

Dr. Kennith Miller and Mrs. Brenda L. Miller

Dr. Patricia D. Mizerka

Ms. Katharine Moody

Mr. Marcellus H. Moore, Jr.

National Philanthropic Trust

Ms. Debra J. Niemann

Dr. Wamucii Njogu and Mr. Richard Morgan

Mr. Courtney Nottage

The Honorable Billy Ocasio

Ms. Lydia C. Omori

Mr. Jim Palos

Ms. Carrie D. Reffitt

Dr. Margaret A. Richek-Goldberg

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas G. Rosskamm

Mr. Bernard C. Rudnik

Mr. Robert W. Schaack

Ms. Christine Schmidt

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Ms. Mirella Padilla

Mr. Bob Palmer

Mr. Joseph M. Palmert

Dr. Cheryl J. Park

Jacqueline Parker

Mr. Christopher T. Parson

Mr. Hasmukh J. Patel

Uma Patel

Ms. Yazmin Patino

Mrs. Antoinette M. Patt

Ms. Sandra M. Payan Cataño

Ms. Joan Pearson

Ms. Alesha Peimer

Mr. Marc Peimer

Mrs. Joyce R. Pemberton

Dr. Alice M. Pennamon

Ms. Alexis A. Penzell

Mr. Derrill S. Peters

Kurt Peters

Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Lenore Pettinger

Ms. Eleanor A. Peyton

Mr. Thomas R. Philion

Mr. Carlos J. Phillips

Shelly Phillips

Mr. James Pilney and Mrs. Ruth Ann Pilney

Mr. Spiros Pissios

Mr. George Plancon

Ms. Mal Poland

Mr. and Mrs. William D. Pollakov

Ms. Elaine Poulos

Ms. Eva Prokop

Mr. Chester J. Puskarz

Ms. Marilyn G. Putz

Ms. Jannica R. Quintana

Mr. Sam Raia

Mrs. Cheryl A. Rainey

Ms. Sonja Rajkovich

Ms. Freda J. Ramirez

Gerson Ramirez

Ms. Melissa N. Ramos

Mr. Jerome E. Rapacz

Mr. John L. Rayburn

Ms. Margaret Rickman

Ms. Susan M. Riley

Dr. Torrey A. Rinaldo

Mr. Quintiliano Rios Perez

Dr. Angelica Rivera

Ms. Brenda G. Rivera

Ms. Emily Rivera

Ms. Miriam Rivera

Ms. Sofia L. Rivera ✏

Mr. Edgar E. Robles

Ms. Sophia E. Rodriguez-Mariduena

Ms. Jeanette Rodriguez

Ms. Rebecca S. Rodriguez

Ms. Veronica E. Rodriguez

Ms. Amber R. Rojas ✏

Mr. Eric Rojas and Mrs. Jillian Rojas

Ms. Ashlei N. Ross

Mrs. Nanci C. Ruby

Mrs. Irma M. Ruiz

Ms. Laura M. Ruiz

Saga Education

Ms. Letitia R. Salamone

Mr. Christopher J. Salapatas

Ms. Arlene Salas

Ms. Ariana Salgado Guzman ✏

Mr. Jeremy L. Sambugaro

Ms. Elizabeth Sanchez-Arias

Ms. Diana A. Sanchez

Ms. Rebecca A. Sarwate

Mr. John Sassaris

Mr. Andrew M. Sato

Mr. Azhar J. Satti

Ms. Julie A. Satzik

Ms. Patricia Savage

Irene Schapiro

Mr. Jeffrey Scheinkopf and Mrs. Michelle Scheinkopf

Dr. Aaron E. Schirmer

Ms. Diane S. Schreiber

Mr. Frank W. Schultz

Ms. Emma J. Schumacher

Mrs. Rachel Schwab

Ms. Andrea Schwartz

Mrs. Debra Schwartz and Mr. Edward Schwartz

Mr. Tom Schweizer

Ms. Nancy Sclafani-Knutsen

Dr. DeWitt T. Scott

Mr. Sean Scott

Ms. Shannon M. Scott

Mr. Edward Seimetz and Mrs. Anne Cosgrove-Seimetz

Ms. Sharon Sernel

Nancy S. Shapiro

Ms. Cynthia Shaw

Mr. Timothy M. Sheahan

Mr. Darryl A. Shears

Ms. Barbara S. Shepard

Mrs. Leona G. Shepherd

Linda Shriberg

Mr. Jonathan A. Shub

Mr. Bruce Siewerth and Mrs. Sarane Siewerth

Ms. Neva I. Sills

Mr. Michael Sinner

Ms. Marta K. Skalacki

Mr. Gregory B. Skinner

Mr. Theodore Skonberg and Mrs. Patricia Skonberg

Mrs. Maryam Skworch

Mr. Joseph M. Smith

Mr. Thomas P. Smith ✏

Ms. Carol A. Sodini

Ms. LaShawn C. Sorrell

Mr. John St. Augustine

Ms. Ajoyi L. Stackhouse

Ms. Mary Starr

Mrs. Mary E. Starsiak

Mr. Jonathon Stasiek

State Farm Companies

Ms. Susanne C. Steiner

Ms. Kendra W. Stern

Ms. Linda M. Stewart

Ms. Kathleen D. Stoch

Mr. Gary and Mrs. M. Maura Stockmann

Ms. Kathleen M. Stone

Robert Stone

Ms. Melinda S. Storie

Ms. Ann C. Stramaglio

Mr. Tim Strba

Ms. Theresa N. Strike

Mr. Earl H. Strum

Dr. Edward F. Stuart

Mr. Kyle G. Sullivan ✏

Mr. Christopher Sutter ✏

Ms. Karen A. Svendsen

Ms. Christine L. Swanson

Gail M. Swerdlik

Dr. Marcelo Sztainberg and Mrs. Marcela Sztainberg

Mr. Justin Tagarao Masami Takahashi

Ms. Judith Taki

Mr. D-Jeffersen Tamba

Mrs. Peggy Tameling and Mr. Steve Tameling

Mrs. Nermina Tanovic

Ms. Jean C. Tashiro * Betsi Taylor

Mrs. Kelly Taylor

Mrs. Adina M. Tenenbaum

Ms. Diane A. Testa

Ms. Amy M. Thomas

Cortez Thomas ✏

Mr. Arthur R. Thompson II

Mr. Alan A. Thorne

Mr. John Todd

Mr. William Torp and Mrs. Nancy Torp

Ms. Daniela R. Torres

Ms. Donzetta Towne

Ms. Andrea M. Townsend

Michael Treese

Mr. Francisco X. Trejo Carlos

Mr. Alfonso Trevino

Ms. Joselyne Urquizo ✏

Mrs. Charrity A. Valencia-Plath

Mr. Mark Valencia

Mr. Larry Valentine

Mrs. Barbara Van Diggelen

Ms. Loredana Varvaroi ✏

Mr. Blas B. Venhaus ✏

Mr. Edward C. VerVers II

Mr. Ethan Vesely-Flad

Elaine M. Vozar

Mrs. Mary C. Vreugdenhil

Mr. Jason Wald

Mr. Jeffrey Wald

Mr. Matthew Wald

Nekenya Walker

Ms. Sara Walker

Ms. Susan S. Wallen

Ms. Lisa C. Wallis

Mr. Carl W. Walters

Mr. Glen Waltrip

Ms. Emilie J. Wanders

Naomi Washington Leapheart

Mrs. Carla P. Washington

Mr. Damion Washington

Karena Watson

Ms. Stephanie Webb

Mr. Marshall Weller and Ms. Leah Weller

Ms. Sharon A. Werner Burke

Mr. William T. Whitehead

Mr. Horace J. Whitehouse

Mr. Richard T. Wiedmann

Mr. Harry Wilkins

Ms. Janyce A. Williams-Eddleman

Jamar Williams

Ms. Ariel Wilson ✏

Mrs. Halina Wilson

Mrs. Marilyn K. Wojcik

Ms. Paula A. Wolf

Mr. Robert Wolff

Dr. LaVonna R. Woodfork

Ms. Leida A. Woodham

Mr. David Worrell

Mr. Marty H. Wright

Dr. Nancy Wrinkle

Ms. Jing Xie

Mrs. Wei Yang

Mr. Jon A. Yonamine

Mrs. Gina B. Zaobiedny

Mr. Emanuel Zaya

Mr. Ralph Zia and Mrs. Bonnie Zia

Mrs. Jenny C. Zuluaga

Mr. Peter J. Zwolfer

alumni Advisory Board

The mission of the Northeastern Illinois University Office of Alumni Relations and the Alumni Association is to enhance and advance the relationship between Northeastern Illinois University and its alumni. Through alumni programs, we hope to inspire lifelong loyalty and pride among alumni and friends by strengthening their continued relationship with the University.

The following are members who served during fiscal year 2023.

• Joe Anthony (Tony) Rodriguez, B.A. ’97 President

• Terrie Albano, B.A. ’16 Vice President

• Ella R. Whitehead, B.A. ’11; M.A. ’13 Secretary

• Melanny Buitron, B.S. ’19

• Max Caviness, B.A. ’17

• Charles Good, B.A. ’04

• Carrie Horton, B.S. ’14

• Dan Kelley, M.A. ’96

• Michelle Morrow, M.A. ’97

• Eric Rojas, B.A. ’05

• Victor A. Sciborski, B.S. ’15

• Teela Williams, B.A. ’15

• Wei Yang, MBA ’00

• A. Michael Drachler, B.A. ’68

(Term ended FY 2023, Emeritus member)

Audited Statement of Financial Position

NEIU Foundation Endowment Changes

NEIU Foundation Net Asset* Changes

• In fiscal year 2023, 1,543 donors gave $1,846,576 million to Northeastern (*including pledge payments)

Scholarship Impact at Northeastern

$834,351 in donor-funded scholarships

$2,659,084 in academic, grant and institutional support

596 students received private scholarships and awards

OlGa Comargo Neiu's new foundation board president

In February 2023, the Northeastern Illinois University Foundation — the philanthropic arm of the University — elected Olga Camargo as the Foundation’s president.

“Olga brings dynamic leadership experience, understanding of our students’ needs and a broad network to the Foundation’s outreach,” said Executive Director of the NEIU Foundation and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Liesl Downey.

Camargo has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. In witnessing the business acumen and struggles of her mother, the owner of a bridal shop in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, she became an advocate for women and minority communities. Camargo is frequently sought after by national

and community leaders as well as some of the fastest-growing businesses to provide her unique perspective.

She is the CEO of FARO Associates LLC, a Latina/woman-owned/Minority Business Enterprise that provides consulting services to government, corporations and businesses related to engaging today’s diverse workforce. She is also Co-Head of FARO Advisory — a division of Centric Wealth Management— and provides investment advisory and retirement plan advisory services to clients that include high net worth individuals, business owners, public and private corporations, public sector entities, and not-for-profit entities and foundations.

Through 1871 — a Chicago-based non-profit digital startup incubator — and their LTNtech Founders program

Emeriti Board Members

Northeastern Illinois University Foundation Board members who serve for three consecutive terms (nine years total) are eligible for Emeriti Board Member status. This designation honors and recognizes the commitment of those members who served with loyalty and distinction, who provided leadership and direction, and who fulfilled a commitment to service that advanced the Foundation’s mission to support Northeastern Illinois University.

Theodore Biedron

Jack Butler

Andrea Davey

Neal Fenwick

Randy Franklin

Robert D. Gecht

Thomas R. Gramins

John Gingell

William O. Maki

Amalia Monterroso

Thomas F. Power, Jr.

Ralph Collins Walter

Posthumous Members

Charles Berg

Robert L. Donahue

William Hetzel

Jacqueline Krump

Hilton Leibow

Joseph Monastero

Richard K. Rogers

Jerome M. Sachs

“I am proud to be building upon its historical leadership of uplifiting traditional and nontraditional students and being a part of a vanguard board.

with the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Camargo co-founded SHENIX®, a financial technology app that aims to help women of color such as Latinas close the wealth gap across the United States. She has gained local and national recognition for her work, including being named among the Top 100 Women of Influence (Diversity MBA Magazine, 2020).

“I am honored to have been elected president of the Northeastern Illinois University Foundation Board of Directors,” Camargo said. “Northeastern is the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest. I am proud to be building upon its historical leadership of uplifting traditional and nontraditional students and being a part of a vanguard board, whose only desire is to help all students build their rightful legacy.”

Over the years, Mr. Goodwin’s financial contributions have benefited the University and its students in numerous ways, such as:

• Since 2001, 349 students have benefited from Mr. Goodwin's endowments and scholarships.

• The NEIU Foundation has distributed $254,779 from Mr. Goodwin's endowed scholarships over the years, not including the $52,000 in Goodwin scholarship distributions available this fiscal year.

• Northeastern has hosted eight Daniel L. Goodwin Lectures since 2016. The lectureship series has brought notable people such as Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, environmental activist Erin Brockovich, and journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein to the University. The series is expected to continue to be part of Mr. Goodwin’s legacy at Northeastern.

Remembering Alumnus and philanthropist Daniel L. Goodwin

Daniel Lee Goodwin, whose historic contributions to Northeastern Illinois University transformed the institution, died on Jan. 19, 2024. He was 80 years old.

“Mr. Goodwin’s lasting legacy and firm belief in the power of Northeastern's mission will continue to positively impact the University community and will be forever appreciated,” said Northeastern Interim President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan.

Mr. Goodwin was born in Berwyn, Illinois, on June 26, 1943, to the late Leo and Mildred Goodwin. He graduated from Lane Tech High School and attended Northeastern when it was known as Chicago Teachers College - North. It was there that he met his wife Carol, and they both earned their bachelor’s degrees in Education from Northeastern in 1966, becoming two of the first graduates to earn degrees at what is known today as the Main Campus. Mr. Goodwin went on to earn a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. After teaching in Chicago Public Schools for five years — and seeing firsthand the affordable housing challenges that many families faced — he became the founder, chairman and CEO of The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, a multibilliondollar real estate and financial organization headquartered on a 13-acre campus in Oak Brook, Illinois. He founded the company with three fellow Chicago area public school teachers: Robert H. Baum, G. Joseph Cosenza and Robert Parks.

Mr. Goodwin’s passion for his business was equaled by his dedication to his family and desire to contribute to personal and philanthropic causes, for which he received numerous local and national recognitions. In 2017, Mr. Goodwin was the first and only Illinois REALTOR® to be awarded the state association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his substantial service to the real estate industry and his lifelong commitment to fair housing for all.

Mr. Goodwin cared deeply for Northeastern and left an indelible mark on the University with a series of “firsts.” As a student, he was elected the first Student Government Association president. He was the first and only alumnus to serve on the Board of Governors of Illinois State Colleges and Universities. In 1996, he became the first Chair of the NEIU Board of Trustees and served on the Board for 10 years. In 2005, Mr. Goodwin was the first recipient of the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, the highest alumni honor the University bestows, and was the University’s first alumnus to receive an honorary doctorate from the institution.

In October 2015, Mr. Goodwin made an unprecedented contribution of $2.5 million to Northeastern, the largest single charitable gift in the University’s history. The gift established two robust endowments — one for scholarships and another for program support for the College of Education — as well as the Daniel L. Goodwin Distinguished Lecture Series, which brings prominent speakers to campus.

In consideration of his transformational investment, dedication to the University and commitment to education, the NEIU Board of Trustees voted to recognize Mr. Goodwin by renaming the College of Education in his honor. In doing so, Mr. Goodwin became the first person and only alumnus to have a Northeastern college named in their honor. Today, the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education remains the University’s oldest academic unit.

In addition to his wife Carol, Mr. Goodwin is survived by daughters Julie Tice (Matthew), Jennifer Blaha (Joshua); grandchildren Jordan, Daniel and Connally Tice, and Alexis and Nicholas Blaha; his brothers William (Diane) and John (Janelle); many nieces and nephews, and a large circle of friends and colleagues.

In MemoriaM 2023

Donald Heggemann

(Sept. 20, 1964 - Oct. 23, 2023)

John Murray

(Oct. 5, 1960 - Dec. 29, 2022)

John Murray began his career at Northeastern as an engineer for Facilities Management. Over the next 27 years, he was promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer, then to Chief Engineer, and was the Executive Director of Facilities Management at the time of his sudden passing.

In Fall 2023, a committee of University employees began working to rename the University’s greenhouse after Murray and establish a scholarship in his name. Contributions to this fund can be made by calling the NEIU Foundation at (773) 442-4200 or online at neiu.edu/giving. Under "Designation," select "Other" and please type: John Murray Memorial Greenhouse and Scholarship.

Donald “Don” Heggemann studied Ceramics at Northeastern. He began working for the University as a student aide in the Accessibility Center (now known as Student Disability Services) in 2011. In September 2022, he was hired as extra help in the Department of Art + Design before becoming their full-time office administrator.

Shortly after his death, the Department of Art + Design renamed the Ceramics kiln room in his honor.

“The ceramics area was very important to Don and he was an amazing studio assistant,” said Art + Design Chair Kim Ambriz. “Since he spent many, many hours firing student work in the kilns, we thought it would be good to honor his memory by naming that area after him. His love of ceramics and the importance of the studio really shined in the daily operations and the meticulous care that he gave to the space.”

Memorial contributions may be made to Northeastern's Ceramics program by calling the NEIU Foundation at (773) 442-4200 or online at neiu.edu/giving. Under "Designation," select "Other" and please type: Ceramics program.

Gone too soon

James William “Jim” Albright, instructor in the Computer Science Department in the College of Business and Technology

Dr. Ahmed Fareed, Professor Emeritus of Literary Education

Dr. John F. Haskell, Professor Emeritus of Linguistics

The Northeastern Illinois University community also extends sincere condolences to the family, friends, peers and colleagues of:

Ola M. Ledbetter, retiree, Assistant Library Tech. III

Jonathan Murfey, Instructor of Computer Science in the College of Business and Technology

Erin Elizabeth Ravelingeen, student

ELEVATE BUILDING NEIU’S COMMUNITY AMPLIFY

The Northeastern Illinois University Foundation hosted nearly 70 guests for Amplify | Elevate: Building NEIU's Community in October of 2023. The invitation-only event was held at The Metropolitan Club at the Willis Tower to bring prominent Chicago business and community leaders and influencers to hear from featured speakers, including NEIU Interim President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, NEIU Foundation Board President Olga Camargo, and then Board of Trustees Chair José Rico (B.A. '99 University Without Walls — Nontraditional Degree Programs), as they discussed the mission, vision and direction of the University.

Camargo welcomed guests and Rico spoke to the importance of partnerships across Chicago to best serve NEIU students. Dr. Bell-Jordan shared the University’s recent successes, such as the development of the Master of Science in Nursing program and the University’s first doctoral program, and a glimpse into Northeastern’s future plans for a new Education building and welcoming partnerships that benefit NEIU students and the community.

Throughout the event, guests were treated to breathtaking views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan and enjoyed gourmet food stations themed in celebration of Chicago neighborhoods while students from the the NEIU Jazz Ensemble provided live musical entertainment.