Meet the Legacy Ambassadors
Lauren Smith ’12
Legacy Program Chair, Class Gift Committe Chair
Hometown: Byron, IL
Majors: Theatre Performance and Psychology
Why is giving to NCC important to you?
The experience I have had here at North Central has been second to none. Much of what I have experienced here is due to the generous support of our donors. I want future generations of North Central students to be able to have an even better experience than I have had so that they can be as proud of and satisfied with their Alma Mater as I am.
Heidi Buyck ’13
Hometown: Woodridge, IL
Major: Musical Theater
Why are you a part of the Legacy Program?
I think the Legacy Program is a wonderful new program because it really does show students how much alumni do for the school and how much they really love and care about NCC. I think many students take for granted the fact that our alumni give back, so I want to show the current students how lucky we are to have the support we do from our alumni. It is also a great opportunity to show North Central alumni our gratitude and make those personal connections with them so we can really show them how appreciative we are of all they do.
Ashley Domonkos ’12
Hometown: Dickson, TN
Major: Studio Art
Why is giving to NCC important to you?
I personally give back to NCC because the great experience I have had growing and learning in this community. I cannot explain how much the past few years have meant to me being here and being involved. I feel that the number one way to express this is making sure that it continues by giving a gift.
Melissa Guido ’13
Hometown: Wheaton, IL
Major: Elementary Education
Why does you think it's important to give to NCC?
It is important because I am attending NCC simply because alumni before me gave back. The influence that a few dollars has on someone cannot be underestimated. As a future educator, I hope that every student desiring an NCC education can obtain one.
Tyler Herman ’12
Hometown: Cary, IL
Majors: Economics and Marketing
Why do you think the North Central College Fund is important?
The NCC fund is so important to me because it helps get me the education I have always wanted. I have been able to obtain financial aid from the North Central Fund because of the generosity of our donors. Students need to understand the importance and value of that, even in tough economic times it is always important to pay it forward and support future NCC students. I'm a Cardinal for LIFE!
Kathryn Lepine ’12
Hometown: Lighthouse Point, FL
Major: Elementary Education
Why do you give back to NCC?
I look back at all the amazing things that I have done at North Central for the past 3 years, and none of that would have happened if it weren't for donors giving back to their school. For example, I never would have been able to go to Italy with Concert Choir if we didn't have someone kind enough to donate. I want to give people the same opportunities that I had. If you love North Central, why not give back?!
Erin Martin ’12
Hometown: Dubuque, IA
Majors: English and Secondary Education
What does leaving a Legacy mean to you?
Leaving a Legacy means leaving the school better then when I arrived. It means making a difference and causing a positive change - whether it be improving the soccer program, helping hire a new English professor, or cheering on our football team to another Conference Championship. My Legacy will be the positive mark I have left on this campus.
Cara Mulheran ’12
Hometown: Frankfort, IL
Major: Marketing
Why do you think giving back is important?
It's important to give back to NCC because it has given us so much. Not only do we get a great education at North Central College, but unbelievable bonds are formed along with unforgettable experiences. Current alumni have helped us have the best experience possible while we are at NCC, and we should help those that will be attending the College once we have graduated. Being a part of the NCC family is not only forming connections and bonds with other students and staff that are on campus, but also being a "Cardinal for Life".
Keeler Otero ’13
Hometown: Orland Park, IL
Major: Biology
Why do you think it is important to give back?
The relationship you have with your school is like any relationship you have in life. If you love someone or something, you are going to give back the kind of love you receive. It's like that with North Central. This school offers so much, and provides so many opportunities, that I feel it’s necessary to show how much I love this school. It's give and take.
Jocelyn Redlinski ’14
Hometown: Orchard Park, NY
Major: Biochemistry
Why do you think the North Central College Fund is important?
The NCC Fund is important to other students and myself because we can have the best experience possible at the school without requiring a price tag that students wouldn't be able to afford. Just that fact alone makes the NCC Fund important to me and everyone in the campus community.
Megan Reppen ’12
Hometown: Oak Lawn, IL
Major: Sport Management
Why is the Legacy Program important to you?
Having pride in the College is important now and after we graduate because our students rely on alumni support for the incredible education only North Central College can offer. The Legacy Program is our way of reaching out to make sure that the dedication and love for our College is continuous after graduation.
Derek Sanderson ’13
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Major: Business Management and Sports Management
Why is giving back to North Central important to you?
Giving back to North Central is important because it affects how the school advances to make it better for students in the future. I believe that the alumni are essential to how the College progresses and it is important to have a constant interaction with them through this program.
Tanner Smale ’12
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Major: Musical Theatre
Why do you give back to NCC?
I give back because North Central first gave to me. Sure, I pay tuition and will continue to pay student loans but none of that compares to the experience I've received through my four years at this wonderful institution. From the friendships, the networking, the tools NCC has equipped me to face every challenge in my life; this is a gift that I cannot repay. And since I cannot pay back NCC for these things, I hope to pay it forward by giving back for generations to come. Yes I love my time here, but I want to ensure that those who come after me will love their time even more. It's our duty and responsibility as alumni: to leave this campus in better shape than how we found it.
Bryan Taylor ’13
Hometown: Cary, IL
Majors: Chemistry and Secondary Education
Why do you appreciate the North Central College Fund?
The NCC Fund is important because without it the cost to us would be so much higher. It is because of generous alumni and outside support that the College is able to keep costs as low as possible, and allowed us to build amazing buildings like Res/Rec and Wentz. The fund is also the reason why a vast majority of students get financial aid of some kind...We owe people who donate to the Fund a lot of thanks.