Political Science | North Central College

Join Iowa caucus watch party Jan. 3

Join the political science department to watch the Iowa caucuses for the Republican presidential nomination at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, in Smith Hall.

The North Central College campus community is invited to join members of the political science department Tuesday, Jan. 3, to watch the first-in-the-nation selection for the Republican presidential nomination. Watch an actual Iowa caucus taking place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Smith Hall at Old Main. Refreshments will be served.

1960 Martin Luther King visit inspired students to activism

Throughout its 150-year history North Central College has demonstrated its commitment to the principles of equality and nonviolence.

During January, North Central College celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a week of events and activities. As part of a yearlong celebration of its Sesquicentennial, the College’s 2012 observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Week is particularly significant.

Chicago Sinfonietta celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 15 at North Central College

Music Director Mei-Ann Chen leads Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jan. 15 at North Central College.

Music Director Mei-Ann Chen leads Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 15 at North Central College.

Guest conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson, founder and music director of Philadelphia’s Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, joins Chen in leading the Sinfonietta in the performance, “The Journey, The Dream”—a selection of works that celebrate King’s pioneering fight for civil rights and his enduring legacy.

Christopher Bilbro

“I’ve always had an interest in forming policy and international relations but didn’t know what I wanted to do as a career. There is no better place than North Central to find those answers,” says Christopher. “The quality of the political science program is so high and the professors so compelling that it drew me out of my shell.”

For Christopher, the best part of his discovery was working with professors on their research. “They really know their way around the field, and I connected to the field in a way that most undergraduates don’t have opportunities to do.”

Getting to know professors on a personal level, Christopher says, is helpful if you’re pursuing graduate work. “When writing references for me, they could write specifically about my strengths, making me a stronger candidate.”

Those relationships and Christopher’s strong research and academic credentials led to his acceptance to The University of Chicago’s master’s program in international relations. “It says a lot about North Central to get accepted in this prestigious program,” he says.

Veteran students share experiences during workshop

Jerry Gems, Michael Dooley, James Davidson, Chris LeClair

North Central College holds workshop featuring guest speakers and panel of veteran students to learn best practices to support its veterans on campus.

North Central College held a Veteran Students Workshop for faculty and staff on Dec. 2 to learn about the experiences of students with a military background and how the campus community can best support their adjustment back to academic and civilian life. The workshop featured guest speakers and a panel of North Central faculty and students who are veterans.

Samantha Nutt to address 2012 Blue Key National Conference at North Central

Humanitarian Samantha Nutt will address honors students from across the nation Jan. 13 when North Central College hosts the 2012 Blue Key National Conference.

Humanitarian Samantha Nutt, an authority on how war impacts civilians, will address honors students from across the nation Jan. 13 when North Central College hosts the 2012 Blue Key National Conference.

The Blue Key Honor Society recognizes college students at senior institutions of higher education for balanced and all-around excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. Nearly 120 students are expected to participate in the three-day national conference Jan. 13-15.

Tavis Smiley to speak at North Central College during Martin Luther King Jr. Week

Radio and television host Tavis Smiley will be keynote speaker Jan. 19 during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week observance at North Central College.

Dec. 5, 2011—Radio and television host Tavis Smiley will be keynote speaker during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week observance at North Central College.

The talk show host, political commentator and entrepreneur will deliver his presentation, “America I AM,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 7 for $10; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

D-Term Verandah courses offer experiential learning

North Central College offers a record 17 Verandah experiences during D-Term, including four for first-year students only. Register on Merlin; space is limited.

During 2011 D-Term, North Central College is offering a record number of Verandah course offerings for students. These experiential learning opportunities connect faculty and students in informal environments outside the classroom around topics of interest.

Political science professor cited in report on Tea Party, Occupy movements

Stephen Maynard Caliendo, associate professor of political science, is cited in a Daily Herald article about the Tea Party and Occupy movements.

Stephen Maynard Caliendo, North Central College associate professor of political science, is cited in a Sunday, Nov. 6 Daily Herald article about how the Tea Party and Occupy movements are spurring citizen involvement in America's political process.

Caliendo told the newspaper his North Central students are watching both the Tea Party and the Occupy movements with great interest.

Alum talks to students about his work as senior advisor in EPA

North Central College alumnus Charlie Bartsch ’73 is senior program advisor for economic development at EPA, spends day talking with campus community.

Charlie Bartsch—a North Central College Class of 1973 alumnus and political science major—returned to campus Oct. 21 to give a lunchtime lecture to the campus community, speak to students in two classes, meet with sustainability team members and students in the Green Scene club.