Social Change and Public Advocacy | North Central College

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.

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.

Service trip alters lives

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.

North Central College honors Ryan Dowd with Alumni Recognition Award

North Central College is honoring Ryan Dowd, executive director of Hesed House in Aurora, with its 2011 Alumni Recognition Award.

This is the fourth of five weekly installments profiling individuals who will receive Alumni Awards & Recognition on Nov. 11 during North Central College’s Sesquicentennial Homecoming Celebration.

Oct. 25, 2011—North Central College is honoring Ryan Dowd of Aurora with its 2011 Alumni Recognition Award.

Human rights expert-advocate to give talk Oct. 13 at North Central College

North Central College kicks off yearlong focus on human rights with lecture by Woodrow Wilson Scholar and human rights advocate Alexander Wilde Oct. 13.

North Central College welcomes human rights advocate Alexander Wilde, a senior scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., to its campus Oct. 13 for a free lecture on human rights.

Wilde will present “Religious Wellsprings of Human Rights: Latin America” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, in the College’s theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville.

North Central College honors Peace Corps administrator with Outstanding Alumni Award

North Central College is honoring Esther Benjamin, associate director for global operations for the Peace Corps, with a 2011 Outstanding Alumni Award.

This is the second of five weekly installments profiling individuals who will receive Alumni Awards & Recognition on Nov. 11 during North Central College’s Sesquicentennial Homecoming Celebration.

Oct. 10, 2011—North Central College is honoring Esther Benjamin of Mitchellville, Md., with a 2011 Outstanding Alumni Award.

North Central College alumnus appointed assistant chief of staff to Aurora mayor

Rick Guzman, a 1999 alumnus of North Central College, has been named assistant chief of staff to Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner.

Guzman’s prior experience includes extensively working to serve low-income Aurora residents through such agencies as the Emmanuel House Community Development Corp., which he founded.