Classnotes | North Central College

Andrew Phillips '09

Andrew Phillips is director of marketing and public relations for the Akron Racers, a professional women’s softball team in Akron, OH. While a student at North Central, he interned for the Chicago Bandits for two years and was hired by the team in 2009. In addition to his duties as director of public relations, social media and ticket sales, Phillips eventually assumed responsibility for the Bandits’ popular internship program.

Mary Lou Puttkowa Lipscomb '66

Mary Lou Puttkowa Lipscomb is a science curriculum and professional development specialist for IMSA FUSION, an outreach program of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. She writes curriculum and provides professional development to teachers who are part of this after-school math and science program for talented, motivated middle-school students.

Darrick Druce '10

Darrick Druce joins the Sauk Valley Predators minor league basketball team as its strength and conditioning coach. Druce completed an internship with the Chicago Bulls/White Sox Academy in 2008 and became the assistant strength and conditioning coach in 2009 for the Bulls where he trained players such as Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Ben Gordon. He implemented off-season and spring training strength programs for the White Sox in 2009.

Rozanne Ferington Redlinski '75

Rozanne Ferington Redlinski received the New York State Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in August 2011. The award is given to teachers by the State University of New York Chancellor for showing mastery of teaching, dedication to students, adherence to academic standards and continued professional achievements. She teaches various biology courses at Erie Community College in Orchard Park, NY.

Memories of North Central continue to shape First Lady’s university life

Jane Schade ’71 Kopp remembers visiting the home of College President Arlo Schilling when she was a freshman. Today, as First Lady of Marshall University, she extends the same hospitality to students. “I know students appreciate coming to our home for a reception or dinner, because I remember how special it was for me,” she says.

Robert Ropars 1992

Robert Ropars published an e-book titled “Dark Bites,” a four-part horror series with new twists on classic horror stories. He also published “Carriage Returns” and “Romantic Confessions.” Ropars may be reached at robropars@gmail.com.

Ryan Gatenby 1993

Ryan Gatenby and Andy Miles released their debut album “Unimpressive” as members of Chicago’s The Band Split. Gatenby, vocalist and guitarist, produced the album at home and mastered it on his MacBook in order to release this melodic rock gem on Transistor Sound, a label started by drummer Miles. The group also created a YouTube video for its song “Cheater.”

Kathy Graham 1993

Kathy Graham wrote a book titled “Graham’s Manual of Style for Resumes and Cover Letters.” She’s the founder of HQ Search, Inc., HQ Seminars, Inc., HQ Scripts, Inc. and HQ Services, Inc. in Naperville. Each company focuses on different aspects of career development for professionals. She presented the Career Strategies for You Workshop for the University of Chicago Women’s Business Group in February. Her workshops have received positive feedback due to the high rate of success individuals are experiencing in securing their ideal career goals, even in a challenging economic climate.

Jim Harper 1957

Jim Harper spoke about growing up in Culver, IN, at the Culver-Union Township Public Library in honor of Black History Month. Culver was once home to a thriving African-American community, which included members of the first integrated high school basketball team in Indiana (in 1922) and an African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1950, Harper left Culver to attend North Central College where, he said, “My first year at college I was the only person of color in Naperville and at the school, but it didn’t seem to make a big difference.

Brooke Simon 1994

Brooke Simon joined Rezin Orthopedics and Sports Medicine as a certified nurse practitioner for orthopedic surgeon Dr. Eric Ortinau. She assists in surgery and provides services, including diagnosis and treatment of patients. As a registered nurse in Loyola University Medical Center’s operating room, she worked as a research study nurse on National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute breast cancer research. Simon also worked as a family nurse practitioner for Take Care Health Systems, a division of Walgreens Pharmacy.