People Notes | North Central College

Congratulations

Amy Clarke Sievers, director of student involvement, was promoted to director of student involvement/associate director of the First-Year Experience.

Frank Caruso publishes text on piano improvisation

Frank Caruso, pianist and lecturer in music, has co-written a manual titled “Piano Improvisation: A Powerful Practical System” with Karl Mollison. It illustrates the basic principles of improvisation for aspiring jazz students and is called “a great asset for jazz musicians regardless of their instrument,” by Jack Mouse, North Central’s coordinator of jazz studies and adjunct instructor of music.

Renard Jackson serves as peer reviewer for U.S. Dept. of Education

Renard I. Jackson, assistant professor of education, served as an independent peer reviewer for the Investing in Innovation (i3) Grant Review for the U.S. Department of Education, an effort funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Skurkis exhibits art in one-person show, serves as juror

Barry Skurkis, associate professor of art, is the featured artist in a one-person exhibit at Ainsworth Gallery in Joliet. He has 39 block prints and seven stone sculptures on display, Aug. 13 through Sept. 24.

Al Carius is featured speaker at local event

Al Carius—professor of health and physical education, head men’s cross country coach and associate head men’s track and field coach—was the featured speaker at the Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center’s annual Focus on Faith Breakfast Sept. 21. He talked about the roles of faith, character and values in life and in athletics.

Naperville’s Samaritan Interfaith is supported by more than a dozen area churches of different denominations and provides professional counseling services to people in need.

History and education faculty work with area teachers

This past June, North Central faculty members Ann Durkin Keating, Will Barnett and Nancy Keiser served as resident scholars to some 42 teachers from five local school districts.

Oesterle Library showcases four lobby exhibits fall term

Theme Exhibit: This display celebrates Banned Books Week (Sept. 25−Oct. 2) and Freedom of Speech Week (Oct. 18-24), which is a collaborative effort with the speech communication department. It features well-known books that have been challenged or banned from libraries and schools over the centuries, along with books that discuss free speech and the First Amendment to the Constitution.

Congratulations on employee promotions

Mary Dettman, graphic designer and production coordinator, to assistant director of marketing, graphic designer

Bonnie Kniss, alumni officer, to assistant director of alumni relations

Amy Nicewarner, secretary, Office of Marketing and Communications, to marketing and communications assistant

Trustee Ray Kinney hosts new TV program

North Central trustee Ray Kinney hosts a new series titled “Dine Around Naperville,” which debuted last week as a new feature on Naperville Community Television’s (NCTV) “Business Connection” program.

Each episode of “Business Connection” will feature a Dine Around Naperville restaurant. Kinney will interview chefs and restaurant owners, preview menus and more.

Congratulations

Stephen Maynard Caliendo, professor of political science, and his wife Jillian welcomed twins Stella Francesca and Gianni Merenda on Sept. 7. Stella weighed 4 lbs., 5 oz., and Gianni weighed 4 lbs., 3 oz.; both measured 17 inches. They join big sister Amelia, 11. The twins are doing fine but were born at 33 weeks and will spend about a month in intensive care at Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital.