North Central NOW 2012 Annual Report

Helen Goren Shafton M ’05

Helen Goren Shafton M ’05 released the Second Edition of “A Curriculum for Special Education Art,” a guide to teaching art to children with disabilities in the classroom and other settings. It includes illustrated lessons with step-by-step instructions, written for teachers and parents. Shafton has been working with students with a variety of cognitive and motor disabilities in her art room for more than 13 years.

Erin Martin '12

Erin Martin is teaching freshman English and coaching junior varsity boys soccer at Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, IL. She teaches students with low reading comprehension skills, intermediate abilities and advanced skills.

Jon Davis '92

Jon Davis released his latest and third book, “Beneath the Northern Lights” (AuthorHouse, 2012). His previously published works include “Life, Inc.” (AuthorHouse, 2006) and “Stephen King’s America” (Bowling Green Popular Press, 1994), which was the result of research he performed with a North Central College Richter Independent Study Fellowship. Davis is also a songwriter, musician and award-winning business and marketing freelance writer.

Jen Berosek '08

Jen Berosek is the box office manager at North Central College. Berosek previously served as the assistant to the department directors and office manager for The School of Performing Arts in Naperville.

Excellence in scholarship

Faculty

The scholarly work of North Central College’s faculty was the focus of an academic mini-conference that served as the final event to celebrate the Sesquicentennial. More than 55 presenters shared their academic research, which often involves their students and informs their classroom teaching. The event concluded with a keynote speech by President Harold Wilde titled “Confessions of a Non-Teacher/Scholar” about his own passion for learning, which was cultivated by inspired educators.

Scott Iverson '92

Scott Iverson is director of housing and residential education at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond, IN. He is married to Sarah Schroeder ’96. He resides in Munster, IN, and may be reached at Iverson_scott@yahoo.com.

Britni Miller '08

Britni Miller graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine with her doctor of veterinary medicine. She resides in Sycamore, IL.

The comeback kids: Cardinal student athletes battle the odds

Maggie Youel

Maggie Youel ’14 and Dylan Crawshaw ’14 have a story similar to many North Central couples. They met two years ago during First-Year Experience and studied chemistry and calculus together. But their story took a drastic turn on April 16, 2012, when Dylan noticed that Maggie was acting strangely. He called 911. Maggie was rushed to Edward Hospital. As Maggie now says six months later, “Then the stroke happened.”

Karen Brady Popovich '96

Karen Brady Popovich was named the 2012 Illinois Art Educator of the Year by the Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA) and received the award at the IAEA conference in November. The annual award recognizes the exemplary contributions, service and achievements of an outstanding IAEA member. Popovich has taught at Metea Valley High School in Aurora, IL, since 2009. After majoring in studio art, she began her career 17 years ago at the elementary school level and then moved to the middle school level.

Will Allan '09

Will Allan was cast to play the role of Stevie in Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s “Good People,” David Lindsay-Abaire’s class drama that premiered on Broadway in 2011. This was his third role at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Allan will also appear in spring 2013 in Victory Gardens’ production of “The Whale.”