On the cover:
English graduate teaching assistants Angela
,
Marcelino
Mina Rajaei Moghadam, Hayley Neiling , Vix Wojtowicz and Rachel Martin
FROM THE CHAIR
I am pleased to present our latest Reavis Newsletter, which will provide you with an overview of some of the happenings of our Department of English at Northern Illinois University from the 2023-24 academic year.
In 2023-24, we saw the continued hard work and dedication of our outstanding leadership team: Melissa Adams-Campbell , director of Undergraduate Studies; Alexandra Bennett , director of Graduate Studies; and Ryan Shepherd , director of First-year Composition. In addition, Beth McFarland-Wilson coordinated the secondary teacher licensure programs in English and assisted with the undergraduate major programs, and Timothy Ryan , job placement coordinator, mentored graduating Ph.D. students. Our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism (IDEA) committee chair Melissa Adams-Campbell led initiatives, including awarding the “Fostering Belonging” award to celebrate student contributions in promoting inclusion and expanding professional development and training. Keeping our department running smoothly, our dedicated staff included Angie Gasero serving as office administrator; Jodi Long supporting first-year composition; Dawn Sibley serving as graduate and undergraduate office manager; and Dawn Galbreath
as our office support associate. The year also saw the continued dedication of our assistant directors of first-year composition Ellen Franklin and Eric Hoffman as well as the co-coordinators of our Writers’ Workshop, Caitlin Gamble and Ashley Palmer
Our faculty continued to produce well-regarded books, chapters, digital projects and journal articles in the areas of literature, media, rhetoric and writing, creative writing, linguistics and secondary education in English language arts. Emeritus faculty member John Knapp continues to edit our academic journal Style. Our students produce three annual publications: Towers Literary Magazine for creative writing; Stonehouse Academic Journal for student scholarly writing; and Contemporary Voices, an anthology of work by students in our developmental writing classes.
Please read on to learn more about our faculty, staff, alumni and students. To keep up with the latest department news throughout the year, check our English department website (niu.edu/clas/english) and Like™ us on Facebook (facebook.com/NIUEnglish). Please also stay in touch via email (askEnglish@niu.edu), as we love to hear updates.
Enjoy our Reavis Newsletter. Go Huskies!
Balcerzak, Chair and Professor of Film and Literature
Scott
Scott Balcerzak, professor of English and department chair.
Director of Undergraduate Studies Melissa Adams-Campbell, Chair Scott Balcerzak , Director of First-Year Composition
Ryan Shepherd and Director of Graduate Studies
Alexandra Bennett
Writers’ Workshop co-coordinator Caitlin Gamble with student writers Kenny Hernandez , Avery Ullrich, Kaitlyn Gibson, Leah Sibley, Caleb Johnson and co-coordinator
Ashley Palmer
2024 RETIREMENTS
Betty J. Birner
A professor of linguistics at NIU for more than 20 years, Betty J. Birner is renowned in her field in pragmatics, semantics and cognitive science. She published 10 books including, recently, Language and Meaning (Routledge 2018), Pragmatics: A Slim Guide (Oxford University Press, 2021) and Meaning: Semantics, Pragmatics, Cognition (Routledge, 2023). At NIU, she mentored numerous students in the study of linguistics and was faculty sponsor of the Linguistic Society of DeKalb. She also served as director of graduate studies in English from 2007 to 2012, during which she developed guidelines for administrating that role.
Angie Gasero
Maria Alderson
A NIU master’s alumna, instructor Maria Alderson taught in the Department of English for more than 20 years, dedicating her career to teaching and supporting developmental writers as they transition to college life through the CHANCE Program and beyond. In our first-year composition program, she was a leader in compassionate studentengaged teaching and supported international students in coursework for English as second language learners.
Beth McFarland-Wilson
Angie Gasero served the university for 20 years in Records and Registration, political science, the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society at NIU, and, for the most years, the Department of English. Here, she maintained the complex personnel, research and budgetary functions of our department. She took on a leadership role mentoring and managing our staff, where she fostered a warm and welcoming environment. She is known as a passionate advocate for her civil service colleagues as well as a dedicated professional committed to running an efficient department.
A NIU doctoral alumna, Beth McFarland-Wilson served as the assistant director of Undergraduate Studies and Educator Licensure Coordinator during the transition to virtual classrooms and advising during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining the quality of our programs in uncertain times. She also served as an instructor, advisor and student teacher supervisor. Directed by John V. Knapp , her dissertation on the fiction of Michael Frayn and Richard Powers won the 2013 Harlan R. Teller Dissertation Award.
Betty Birner, professor of linguistics and cognitive science.
Instructor Maria Alderson at the NIU English retirement party, April 2024.
Coordinator Beth McFarland-Wilson at the NIU English retirement party, April 2024.
Angie Gasero, office administrator.
2024 NEW FACES
Joint Faculty Member with the Center of Southeast Asian Studies
In fall 2024, the Department of English and the Center of Southeast Asian Studies welcomes joint faculty member Reuven Pinnata , assistant professor of Southeast Asian and Southeast AsianAmerican Literatures, Medias and Cultures. He completed his Ph.D. in English from the University of Washington in Seattle, where he was awarded the Christen J. Grorud Endowed Memorial Fellowship, the Society of Scholars Fellowship at the Walter Chapin Simpson Center for the Humanities, and the Thomas W. and Mary Kay Gething Award. Pinnata studies postcolonial and world literature, with emphasis on Indonesian and Dutch East Indian literature. His dissertation, “Totalizing Nusantara: On World Literature as Indonesian Literature,” develops a method of reading Indonesian literary works as critiques of the worldwide process of colonial racial capitalism.
of Southeast Asian and Southeast AsianAmerican literatures, medias and cultures.
Secondary Teacher Licensure Coordinator
In May 2024, we welcomed E. Mariah Spencer as our new assistant director of Undergraduate Studies and Educator Licensure Coordinator. Formally a visiting assistant professor in our department, she received her Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa, where her dissertation focused on Margaret Cavendish and the history of educational reform. Spencer has a professional history in both secondary education, serving Midwest schools for six years and training teachers at Illinois State University, focusing on issues of diversity and inclusion. She recently guest edited a special edition of ABO: Interactive Journal for Women in the Arts, 1640-1830. 14.1 (2024) on teaching Margaret Cavendish.
Office Administrator
In June 2024, the Department of English welcomed Lesly Schoo as our new office administrator. Previously an office manager for NIU School of Law, she has also worked in NIU’s Community School for the Arts and the CHANCE program. Schoo brings 28 years of experience supporting higher education programs and offices. She enjoys working with students and faculty.
Reuven Pinnata, assistant professor
E. Mariah Spencer, assistant director of Undergraduate Studies and Educator Licensure Coordinator.
Lesly Schoo, office administrator.
DEPARTMENTAL NEWS
New Online M.A. of General English Studies
In 2023, we launched our new online Masters (M.A.) of general English studies focused on multiple facets of English studies such as literary history and analysis, writing and rhetoric, and linguistics. This program is tailored for working teachers and other professionals seeking their M.A. degree for career advancement, including accreditation to teach undergraduate college English coursework. While this program is designed for online completion, students have the option to take faceto-face or hybrid courses to complete their degree.
New Reavis Hall Learning Spaces
In 2023, our department repurposed three spaces to support innovative learning. Our Online Learning and Study Zone, located in Reavis Hall 310, provides multiple power outlets for charging devices and many spaces for participating in online courses. Our Conferencing and Group Learning Room in Reavis Hall 306B allows for individual conferencing and group work necessitated by writing courses. Our English Teacher Licensure Workspace in Reavis Hall 204 is a communal space for licensure students to gather, work on projects and conference with faculty. Special thanks to Eric Hoffman and Beth McFarland-Wilson for their hard work designing these spaces.
CLAS Distinguished Alumni Award honoree
In October 2023, NIU English alumna Julia Jasken (English and women’s studies, M.A., 1997) was recognized with a 2023 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award. Jasken is the 10th president of McDaniel College and was celebrated for her commitment to fostering community engagement, student success, and institutional diversity, equity and inclusion in liberal arts education.
Press Restoration and Book Lab Initiative
In November 2023, the Department of English and NIU Libraries Rare Books and Special Collections ran a successful crowdsourcing campaign to restore its replica of the Common Press and other historic presses. This project is part of a larger, multiyear campaign to develop an interactive book lab at Northern Illinois University. Special thanks to Beth Ann McGowan , Melissa Adams-Campbell and Nicole Clifton for helping to advance book studies at NIU.
The Online Learning and Study Zone in Reavis Hall 310.
Julia Jasken, right, with Professor Emeritus Amy Levin, who nominated her for CLAS Distinguished Alumni Award.
The replica of the Common Press, located in NIU Libraries Rare Books and Special Collections.
DEPARTMENTAL NEWS
Implementing Linguistic Justice in Writing Assessment
In November 2023, the Department of English organized the Implementing Linguistic Justice in Writing Assessment. This included a virtual talk with April Baker-Bell — associate professor of language, culture and justice in education at the Joint Program in English and Education and Educational Studies — University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education. She is the author of Linguistic Justice: Black Language, Literacy, Identity and Pedagogy (Routledge 2020). She also held an in-person workshop featuring NIU faculty on reviewing and revising classroom policies and tools. Special thanks to our sponsors who made this event possible — the English Graduate Student Association, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Faculty Academy on Cultural Competence and Equity.
Engaged Learning in Chicago
In fall 2023, students from Deborah DeRosa’s Literary Study, Research and Criticism class visited the National Immigrant Justice Center. Students from Timothy Crowley’s Shakespeare class also attended a production of Twelfth Night at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Thank you all who give to our Department of English for supporting these and other student engagement activities.
Kimberly Blaeser Visit
In March 2024, our department welcomed poet Kimberly Blaeser for an on-campus reading. Blaeser is the founding director of the literary organization In-Na-Po-Indigenous Nations Poets and a former Wisconsin poet laureate. She is the author of six poetry collections including Copper Yearning (Holy Cow, 2019), Résister en dansant/ Ikwe-niimi: Dancing Resistance (Editions des Lisieres, 2020) and Ancient Light (University of Arizona Press, 2024). Special thanks to Molly McNett for organizing this event.
Low-Cost Course Materials Award
This spring, NIU’s Course Materials Affordability Task Force (CMAT) presented their second annual Affordable Course Materials (ACM) Department Awards . These awards are part of the task force’s Leading Impact Program , which supports and recognizes academic departments and individual faculty for their adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) and other free or low-cost materials in courses.
CMAT used the affordable course materials designators in MyNIU to identify the departments offering the highest percentage of course sections with affordable course materials ($40 or less). Our Department of English was recognized with the Course Materials Affordability Task Force’s Departmental Achievement Award, with 75% of our courses designated as low or zero cost. This was an over 10% increase from the previous academic year and the largest departmental percentage campuswide. Thank you to all our committed staff, directors, faculty and graduate teaching assistants for this effort. We are proud to be a campus leader in promoting student success through equitable learning.
Melissa Adams-Campbell speaking at the Implementing Linguistic Justice workshop.
Students from Deborah De Rosa’s Literary Study, Research and Criticism class on their way to Chicago.
Scott Balcerzak , second from left, accepts the award for low-cost materials.
Poet Kimberly Blaeser.
DEPARTMENTAL NEWS
Administrative Professionals Award for Excellence
In April 2024, Angie Gasero , office administrator, won the Patricia S. Siebrasse Administrative Professionals Award for Excellence in recognition of her years of service to the department and Northern Illinois University. As professor and former chair Lara Crowley stated, “I have heard many times that staff at NIU recognize that the English department is a great place to work, largely because of the atmosphere that Angie has fostered.”
Patricia L. Francis Awards for Outstanding Service to the Department of English
In April 2024, our department recognized two employees with the Patricia L. Francis Award for service maintaining the high quality of our graduate program — Alexandra Bennett¸ director of Graduate Studies, and Dawn Sibley, office manager. This award recognized the team’s commitment to a student-focused graduate program, including a commitment to proactive outreach, developing regular professionalization events and working above and beyond to ensure the health of our programs.
Angie Gasero (center), with Jodi Long and Dawn Sibley at the staff awards luncheon.
Chair Scott Balcerzak (center) awarding the Pat Francis Award to Alexandra Bennett and Dawn Sibley
Supporting and Empowering First-year Students: NIU’s Department of English
By Brian Williamsen
“We meet the students where they are, to help them get to where they need to be. We are passionate about supporting our students and want to provide opportunities for them to grow and succeed.”
Ryan Shepherd is director of first-year composition at NIU, a course taken by most students as ENGL 103 during fall semester of their first year and ENGL 203 during the spring semester. Our student-centered approach to this course is reflected in many ways, including teaching students the importance of self-reflection.
“In ENGL 103, the students write narratives and do research. Then, we ask them to step back and reflect carefully on why they did the things that they did,” said Shepherd. “Reflection is about 50% of their grade. We want them to become their own best teachers, so when they leave the class, they can recognize new writing situations and make the same kind of thoughtful decisions as they respond to them.”
Lizzy Goberville is an English major at NIU — a decision that was influenced by taking this course.
“My ENGL 103 class was a very positive experience. I had originally come to NIU for biology, but I really loved writing papers,” said Goberville. “The narrative paper where you get to write about yourself and learn about creative writing made me realize, ‘I should be doing English as my major.’ So, that class actually led me to switch my major.”
This first semester course also is offered as ENGL 103P, which incorporates curriculum geared toward students in the CHANCE Program and students who come in with a GPA lower than 3.0.
“We often see the biggest progress in ENGL 103P. Students who come into those classes may have been previously told they’re bad writers — and unfairly so,” said Shepherd. “Many of the students may just be inexperienced writers, and we have the opportunity in our 103P classes to really build up that confidence, which goes a long way.”
Caitlin Gamble and Ashley Palmer are co-coordinators of Writers’ Workshop at NIU, which supports ENGL 103P students. Writers’ Workshop offers individualized sessions where students can focus on the writing skills they want to learn. In addition, this student resource fosters collaboration and sharing of ideas.
“We have diverse opinions and diverse writers, and
we provide students the opportunity to share their ideas together. It is fun to see them grow more confident in sharing their writing and seeing that all these different kinds of writing are valuable,” said Gamble. “We want to give them a place on campus where they can feel comfortable practicing and sharing their writing.”
ENGL 103P students often have their writing published in Contemporary Voices, a text used for instruction in the course. Furthermore, these students often pay it forward by helping other students after they complete this course.
“A lot of our previous students come back to work as student writers in the Writers’ Workshop, and we enjoy seeing them grow into a part of the NIU community,” said Gamble.
Goberville has worked in the Writers’ Workshop since fall 2022, after completing ENGL 103.
“It is great to work with students who really care about their grades and want to improve themselves,” said Goberville. “I’ve been able to help students with how to start an essay or brainstorm a topic, and it has been nice to help them learn these skills.”
Moving to a zero-cost textbook format for ENGL 103, designing classrooms with laptop carts and computer access for all students, and creating an open-source repository are some of the ways our Department of English works to support students.
“We have been collecting and curating open-source materials for our faculty to use. These are materials with creative, common licensing so we can modify, edit and redistribute them,” said Eric Hoffman , assistant director of first-year composition. “The new repository we are using for open access materials essentially is the same engine that Wikipedia uses, and we hope to leverage this environment and use it to help publish student essays in natively electronic spaces.”
“First-year composition is such an important part of our department and mission,” said Scott Balcerzak , Department of English chair. “These courses support firstyear students as they transition into college, respecting the students and where they came from and helping them empower themselves. This program promotes public-facing scholarship and public-facing writing in a university, which is so key to building students’ confidence.”
Ryan Shepard Eric Hoffman
Supporting and Empowering First-year Students: NIU’s Department of English (Continued.)
Robust instructor training, professional development and continual evaluation are important behind-the-scenes components of the success of this program.
“Several times a week, we talk about questions and concerns; we talk about pedagogy. It is important to provide a high level of support to our instructors,” said Hoffman. “Also, we do programmatic assessment every semester. We trace our data and look to see that our students’ writing is improving.”
In addition, our department uses Navigate to identify students who may need additional support, as part of their ongoing efforts to best serve first-year composition students.
“Our faculty are trained to not wait until Navigate asks them if something is going on, but to use it proactively,” said Hoffman. “We try to use all available resources, including the counseling center and student advisors, to help not just students in our classes, but identify where issues might be impacting students in other areas.”
Making sure all students are represented and served is a top priority for our department and this program.
“We try to integrate linguistic justice practices into our writing classes, especially when it comes to grading policies, to make sure we aren’t docking people that may be using different varieties of English,” said Shepherd.
“We try to look more mindfully at the ways people are communicating ideas, instead of trying to use specific varieties of English that might not be common to all of our students.”
“First-year composition has been a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion within the classroom. This is always something that is central, with NIU being a first-generation student-serving university,” said Balcerzak. “The leadership of the department has turned to this team to help with those discussions and think about this for other classes as well.”
First-year composition students also can participate in our annual Showcase of Student Writing. Leading up to this annual event, students work in teams to identify and research issues or opportunities in local communities. During the event, students present their research findings to an audience including other students, faculty, deans and local community members.
“The mayors of DeKalb and Sycamore have attended the event, because it’s such a good kind of exploration of local issues and topics,” said Hoffman. “You cannot substitute the kind of energy you get in that environment, and it is great to see the light switch moment when the students recognize their research really matters to the community.”
FACULTY NEWS
Faculty Publications, 2023–2024
In addition to publishing many creative works and scholarly articles in academic journals, English faculty and faculty emeriti celebrate eight books for 2023 and 2024.
• Baker, William Wilkie Collins in Context. Cambridge University Press, 2023.
• Birner, Betty Meaning: Semantics, Pragmatics, Cognition. Routledge, 2023.
• Bonomo, Joe No Place I Would Rather Be: Roger Angell and a Life in Baseball Writing. University of Nebraska Press, 2019; paperback ed. with new epilogue, 2023.
• Libman, Dan Book of Grudges. Spuyten Duyvil, 2023.
Under Rocks Podcast, WNIJ Northern Public Radio
In 2023, Dan Libman’s co-written and produced episode of WNIJ Northern Public Radio’s Under Rocks podcast, “Curling in Illinois,” was recognized with the award for “produced podcast” from the Public Media Journalists Association. The monthly podcast Under Rocks, featuring Libman, continues to explore the most interesting people, places and events in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
• May, Brian 1948: A Critical and Creative Prequel to Orwell's 1984. University of Exeter Press, 2023.
• Newman, Amy An Incomplete Encyclopedia of Happiness and Unhappiness. Persea Books, 2023.
• Renk, Kathleen The Rossetti Diaries. Bink Books, 2023.
• Shepherd, Ryan P. , Matthew Davis, Lilian Mina and Kara Poe Alexander, eds., Multimodal Composition and Writing Transfer. Utah State University Press, 2024.
E. Mariah Spencer, Jazmin Hollingsworth, Maria Parada and Elizabeth Kahn at IATE.
Illinois Association of Teachers of English (IATE)
In October 2023, E. Mariah Spencer and Elizabeth Kahn traveled to the Illinois Association of Teachers of English (IATE) conference with middle licensure students Jazmin Hollingsworth and Maria Parada, who presented “Books that Challenge Our Students to Think Critically about the World Around Them.”
Dan Libman on the road for the Under Rocks podcast.
FACULTY NEWS
National Endowment of the Humanities (NEH) Fellowship
In December 2023, Lara Crowley was awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) fellowship for 2024-25 for her project “Dubiously Donne: Attribution and Literary Reputation in Early Modern England.” This fellowship is highly competitive as NEH funded only 8% of proposals in 2023. Crowley's project explores early attitudes toward authorial identification through analyzing poetry and prose misattributed to writers such as John Donne in 17th-century handwritten manuscripts — once-popular works she uncovered that can be complex, lyrical and even scandalous.
Teacher’s Lounge Podcast, WNIJ Northern Public Radio
Distinguished Teaching Professor Gulsat Aygen
In April 2024,
Distinguished Teaching Professor Gulsat Aygen gave a two-part interview on her remarkable life and the ultimate goal of education for WNIJ’s Teacher’s Lounge podcast.
Schriber Faculty Scholars
For 2023-25, Deborah DeRosa was named the Schriber Faculty Scholar in Women’s Language and Literature. Her project, “Crossed Borders, Changed Lives: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Young Adult Immigrant and Refugee Literature by Women Authors,” explores women writers of young adult fiction documenting stories of immigrants from South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. In October 2023, our previous Schriber Scholar, Amy Newman , presented on her project, “Amazed/Alone: Selected Poems and Letters of Antonia Pozzi,” at our first in-person Schriber research forum since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Schriber Scholar Endowed Fund was created by Professor Emeritus Mary Sue Schriber in honor of her mother, A. Marie Jeannot Schriber, and it supports faculty and doctoral candidates working in women and gender studies in English.
Lara Crowley presenting on “Dubiously Donne” for the 202324 History of the Book Seminars in Rare Books and Special Collections, NIU Libraries.
Deborah DeRosa, 2023-25 Schriber Faculty Scholar.
Amy Newman, 2021-23 Schriber Faculty Scholar.
STUDENT NEWS
Xi Delta Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society
In December 2023, our Department of English organized an induction ceremony for the Xi Delta Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society. Distinguished guests included Jeannine Szostak , director of Society Operations, and Professor Emeritus William C. Johnson , former executive director from the International Office of Sigma Tau Delta. Throughout 2023-24, 22 NIU students were inducted into the Honors society.
Midwestern Conference on Literature, Language and Media (MCLLM)
In April 2024, Nicholas Dertinger and Hayley Neiling organized our first in-person Midwestern Conference on Literature Language and Media (MCLM) since the COVID-19 pandemic with the theme “Reclaiming Legacy.” The event featured Marquis Bey, professor of Black studies, gender and sexuality studies, and English; core faculty in critical race theory at Northwestern University; and author of Black Trans Feminism and Cistem Failure: Essays on Blackness and Cisgender (both Duke University Press, 2022). Bey gave the keynote address “We are Someone’s Ancestors” and took part in a roundtable with attendees.
First-year Composition English Showcase of Student Writing
Every spring semester, teams of students in ENGL 203: Composition and Rhetoric II, research real-world issues local to the university and community and present their results at the First-year Composition English Showcase of Student Writing . Special thanks to all those who volunteered to judge in 2024 and, in particular, showcase coordinator Rachel Martin
NIU’s 2024 Lincoln Laureate
Emma Whitlock , NIU's 2024 Student Lincoln Laureate, is a strong believer that learning is an ongoing process.
A first-generation college student, Whitlock is majoring in environmental studies and biological sciences at NIU, with minors in chemistry and English. She is an intermediate-level Spanish speaker and studies abroad this summer in Costa Rica to gain experiences connected with her passion for the environment.
The Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes the efforts and accomplishments of NIU’s top graduating students. Each year, this award goes to an outstanding senior from each of the four-year, degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois.
Whitlock will join the ranks of other student laureates who exemplify leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity, and will receive a certificate, a medallion, a challenge coin and a $1,000 stipend during a recognition ceremony in Springfield, Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 26.
Xi Delta faculty advisor Timothy Crowley inducts English major Colleen Davidson into Sigma Tau Delta.
First-year composition students presenting their research at the 2024 Showcase of Student Writing.
Nicolas Dertinger, Marquis Bey and Hayley Neiling at the 2024 MCLLM conference.
2024 Lincoln Laureate Awardee Emma Whitlock
2023-24 Student Scholarship and Award Winners
Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends of our English department, students who excel academically continue to receive awards and scholarships to ease their financial challenges.
Graduate Student Recognition
Arnold B. Fox Graduate Research Writing Award
Hayley Neiling (first place, fall 2023); John Mason (second place, fall 2023); Joy Dertinger (first place, spring 2024), Angela Marcelino (second place, spring 2024)
Harlan R. Teller Dissertation Award
John Sieker, “Orphan Hermeneutics: Refashioning Archetypes in 19th-Century Epic Prose Fiction”
Mary Suzanne Schriber Junior Scholar Award
Natalie Santiago, “Rhetoric of the Roots”
Robert T. Self Graduate Award for Dissertation Support
Faye Scott, “The Impact of Teaching Students Stress and Trauma Alleviation Techniques for Coping with Distressing Materials in First-Year Composition”
Fostering Belonging
Hayley Neiling on behalf of the English Graduate Student Association
Graduate Director’s Awards for Exemplary Contribution to the Program
Nicholas Dertinger, Hayley Neiling
Charles W. Hagelman Jr. Scholarship for Study in Oxford
Katelynn Rihel
Russell and Jeanne Durning Family Fund Scholarship
Katelynn Rihel
Rhoten A. Smith Assistantship
Angela Marcelino
Outstanding Graduate Students in the English Graduate Program
Christine Holloway, Faye Scott
Dissertation Completion Fellowship Award for 2023-2024
Faye Scott, “The Impact of Teaching Students Stress and Trauma Alleviation Techniques for Coping with Distressing Materials in First-Year Composition”
Carter G. Woodson Scholar for 2024-2025
Karina Diaz
2024 Outstanding Teaching Assistant
Jordan Pennington
Graduate students Angela Marcelino, Hayley Neiling and Joy Dertinger at our annual Arnold B. Fox Award essay reading in April 2024.
Chair Scott Balcerzak at the spring 2024 graduate commencement with doctorates and their dissertation advisors: Scott Stalcup, David Gorman, Richard Tony Thompson, Betty Birner, Ryan Smith and Jeffrey Einboden
GRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Nicholas Dertiger
What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Growing up, I wanted to be Batman. However, having both my parents and no money growing up, the reality of being the Caped Crusader soon dissipated. After that brief dream, I wanted to be a storyteller. I fell in love with telling stories, whether written, on the silver screen or in conversation. As a Ph.D. student in English literature, I have the opportunity to study and teach the art of storytelling through various mediums, and I love it.
What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am an English literature student in the Ph.D. program in the English department. I chose this course of study because of my love of storytelling and teaching. I have often found the best educators can tell the best stories — stories that connect the theoretical to the practical, the ethereal to the real.
Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
I am currently working on Victorian Gothic literature and postcolonial research and how early feminist writers shaped and paved the way for modern storytelling. With these authors pushing the boundaries of gender and labor both in their lives and in their writing, they managed to leave a legacy that modern scholars and writers continue to pursue equity among the masses.
How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
The thing about research I think many people forget is that it’s self-motivated. Your interests and your passion should motivate and push your areas of research. Once I embraced the joy and wonder of what I could spend my time on while studying, it opened a new avenue to research and learning I had never experienced before.
How will your research experience help you in the future?
Part of the research I have done was related to the NIU Study Abroad program at Oxford. I spent five weeks studying at Oriel College, Oxford, and the experience of research and living in/visiting the places many Victorian Gothic stories were conceived was quite wonderful. Nothing quite compares to viewing original manuscripts and handwritten letters from authors long gone who are still inspiring researchers today. This trip absolutely was crucial to my studies and gave me the field experience to travel for research and study outside of the classroom.
Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
I had a friend who used to say, “If you’re stoked, they’ll be stoked.” He taught me this mentality when I was first learning to teach. I have tried to hold on to that over the years and I think, in many ways, the professors I have had here at NIU showcase a similar mentality, though maybe not with the same words. These professors have a passion for what they teach and research, as well as how they teach and research, which continues to inspire me as a student and researcher in the field. So, shout out to Dr. Bennett, Dr. Clifton, Dr. Hibbett, Dr. May and Dr. Ward for not only guiding me in coursework, but for taking the time to instill insight and experience to my research goals!
What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
My opportunity to study abroad in England was a pleasant surprise. I would 10/10 recommend this to anyone who has the chance to join the Oxford trip in the future who is an English major or grad student.
How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Yes. As a commuter Ph.D. student, I wasn’t sure how I would connect with others, but I have built great friendships with amazing people thanks to my opportunities at NIU.
Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am co-leading the Midwestern Conference on Literature, Language and Media this academic year (2023-24). It is hosted by NIU’s English department every spring, and organized and planned for grad students of all kinds to propose and present conference papers. Last year, I presented a conference paper alongside some
Nicholas Dertinger is an English literature doctoral student from Minooka, Illinois.
Graduate Student Spotlight | Nicholas Dertiger (Continued.)
wonderful grad students, and I am looking to co-leading it this year with the one and only Hayley Neiling.
What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The NIU English department office staff have been the greatest champions of my success. Dawn, Jodi and Angie, you are amazing!
Who has been one of your favorite instructors/ professors and why? What course did they teach?
I have so many I could choose, but I think I have to give a shoutout to Dr. Ryan Hibbett. I spent the summer in Oxford with Dr. Hibbett taking a course on Shakespeare and postcolonial studies. We specifically studied Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and the role of Caliban in the play. The course was wonderful, and Dr. Hibbett’s
Undergraduate Student Recognition
Charles W. Hagelman Jr. Scholarship for Study in Oxford
Kaitlyn Gibson, Bailey Robinett
S. Orville and Adra Baker English Scholarship
Hunter Kaltenbach
John C. and Judith M. Gurley Endowed English Scholarship
Brenda Schurrer
Rosalie Hewitt Scholarship in English
Doria Brown, Naya Haller, Uriel Pedroza, Alison Pinion, Brenda Schurrer
Marjorie K. Winters Department of English Scholarship Fund
Brenda Schurrer
William C. Johnson Sigma Tau Delta Scholarship
Sophia Corredato
Lynne Waldeland Scholarship in English
Casey Brucks, Sophia Corredato, Mariah Edison, Bridget Gabrielse, Blaine Kneubuehl, Eryn Lent, Anastasia
Monica, Kendra Remrey
David and Linda Nelson Endowed English Scholarship
Colleen Davidson, Elizabeth Goberville, Brianna Jarnutowski, Karina Rodriguez (fall 2024); Nayeli Diaz (spring 2024)
Jeannie A. Hainds Award for Teacher Licensure in English
Jessica Milner
time meeting and discussing postcolonial studies through the Shakespearean lens was fantastic.
Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Einstein Bros. Bagels. I just love bagels.
What do you do to relax or recharge?
Play music. Drink a pint. Paint. Not necessarily in that order.
Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I teach first-year writing at NIU as a graduate teaching assistant. I enjoy reading and writing. I write and play music. I love spending time with my partner and our family. I enjoy cooking, playing video games, sitting in a hammock, creating art and tattoos.
Exemplary Student Teacher Award
Megan Hays, Jessica Milner
Richard H. Howland Award for Poetry Writing
Haseen Jefferson
Mike and Anne Malone Award for Short Fiction
Anastasia Monica
Orville Baker Essay Award
Steph Alkonga (first place), Sara Schaefer (second place), Kaitlyn Gibson (third place), John Delaney (honorable mention), Simona Gorbenko (honorable mention)
Robert T. Self Award in Literature and Film
Nicholas Kubik
Fostering Belonging
Kenny Hernandez
Outstanding Senior Awards
Emmanuel Arevalo, Aidan Bengford, Connor Blaz, Doria Brown, Finley Callahan, Colleen Davidson, Jennifer Dolman, Mariah Edison, Noah Erickson, Kimberly Garcia, Nick Glover, Adam Hawkins, Kenny Hernandez, Cindy Holasek, Katrina Innamorato, Lillian Kennedy, Jessica Milner, Anastasia Monica, Isaac Ottesen, Joseph Paddock, James Payette, Alison Pinion, Korbin Rice, Sara Schaefer, Brenton Walker
First-Year Composition Recognition
Jenefer M. Giannasi Award for Excellence in Teaching First-year Composition
John Paul Dela Rosa, Nicholas Dertinger, Caitlin Gamble, Ashley Palmer
Queen Victoria Hardison Award for Excellence in Tutoring
Danielle Germain, Kenny Hernandez
Maude Uhland Award for Excellence in First-year Composition
Hannah Berg (first place), Samaria Guzman (second place), Kate Cygan (second place)
Mae Thomas Award for Excellence in First-year Composition
Carmin Jones (first place), Victor Elekwachi (second place), Damian Hepburn (third place), Erick Ichich
(honorable mention), Sarly King (honorable mention), Issac Lee (honorable mention)
First-year Composition English Showcase of Student Writing Awardees
Brian Douglas, Brie Smalling, Verenice Vargas, Talia Sigismondi (first place), Kate Bansa, Jaxon Tierney (second place), Maria Luisa Rivera; Natalie Rojas, Shawn Swanson, Stephon White (third place)
Exemplary Participation in Professional Development with Extraordinary Pedagogical Service
Masuma Akter, Bosompemaa Dankwa, John Paul Dela Rosa, Rachel Kurasz, Rachel Martin, Evans Mensah, Muntasim Neeha, Hayley Neiling, Janet Ochieng, Md Abu Hena Pohil, Narjes Rajabalipour, Katelynn Rihel, Nick Shumaker, Juliet Tawiah
Kenny Hernandez and Haseen Jefferson at the Undergraduate Award Ceremony.
English graduate teaching assistants recognized at the First-year Composition Awards for their pedagogical service.
Director of Undergraduate Studies Melissa Adams-Campbell (center) with Outstanding Senior Award winners at the Undergraduate Award Ceremony.
Jordan Pennington celebrates Samaria Guzman at the First-year Composition Awards.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Kenny Hernandez
What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was younger, I wanted to be an artist. I've since gone on another path, but I still want to harness that creativity in my future career as a writer.
What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in English, focusing on writing. English was always my favorite subject in school, and I especially found a certain fondness for creative writing. I am also a communication studies major, with a corporate and business focus. English is my passion and pairs especially well with a communication studies degree in the professional world.
What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I've thoroughly enjoyed spending my time on campus. There are many places you can sit down, listen to some music, and just study, read or even take a breather before your next class. You might even run into someone you know.
How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I started to engage more in my classes. In the English department, I was surrounded by many people who shared my passions, and I found many great people to call my friends. The great thing is that as I've continued through my major, I've run into many of the same people and still meet tons of cool people.
Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am a tutor at the Writers' Workshop. I've enjoyed taking on the experience and aiding the students who come in for help. It helped me to not only see myself as a student here, but also as a member of the community.
What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The English department and communication department have been great successes. Many professors have been a great help and done a great job of motivating me to keep up my education and consider future careers and opportunities.
Who has been one of your favorite instructors/ professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Joe Bonomo for English 304, Writing About the Arts. His teaching style invited me to think about the process of writing criticism in a novel way. Through the workshop setting in his class, I was constantly invited to look to my peers for inspiration and was considered an equal even though I was one of the youngest people in the class. I had a great deal of fun with the writing process, and I've walked away proud of each essay I wrote for that class.
Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I love studying in Watson Hall. It's always very quiet there, perfect for reading.
What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love to play games, especially Overwatch. I also love to go for walks, listen to music and do a bit of drawing.
Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I love to read and write (as could be guessed from my major). I work as a tutor for the Writers' Workshop and as a part-time sales associate at Kohl's.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I'm really proud not only of how I've been able to see great success in my time here at NIU, but also how I've been able to call DeKalb my home.
Kenny Hernandez is a English and communication studies double major from Bolingbrook, Illinois.
HELP US CONTINUE OUR LONG-STANDING TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
By giving to our Department of English, you are playing an important role in supporting students and faculty. There is a method to fit just about any budget, like annual giving or planned giving and endowments. For more information, please contact Laura Knight , senior director of Advancement, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, laura.knight@niu.edu
There are several ways to make your gift to Northern Illinois University’s Department of English.
Online : Make a credit card gift online (designate your gift to the Department of English).
By Phone: 1-877-GIV-2-NIU.
By Mail : One-time credit card payments or check gifts may be made using the Gift Form
Let us hear from you. Share your professional news and milestones with us by emailing askenglish@niu.edu