International | North Central College

International programs hosts symposium with speakers, faculty panels

North Central presents “Contemporary India and the Environment” symposium on April 14 as part of yearlong international focus on India, the environment.

April 6, 2011—As part of its yearlong international focus, North Central College will present a symposium titled “Contemporary India and the Environment” on Thursday, April 14.

Guest speakers and North Central faculty and students will give presentations. An Indian dance performance and Indian supper are also part of the symposium, presented by the College’s Office of International Programs.

A Legacy of Building Friendships Abroad

From as early as 1875, the College had developed ties with Japan and China through the mission work of the Evangelical Church.

From as early as 1875, the College had developed ties with Japan and China through the mission work of the Evangelical Church. The exposure to the Church encouraged students in Japan and China to attend North Central College for their education. Henry Tayama, Class of 1893, became the first student from Japan to graduate. Fumiko Miyagi ’24 returned to Tokyo to become a renowned artist and humanitarian and a professor of art at Japan Women’s University.

Student in Japan shares story with local media

With the six North Central students who were studying in Japan during the earthquake and tsunami safely accounted for, some are beginning to share their stories with media. Erica Funkhouser ’12 spoke via Skype to Chicago’s ABC7 TV on Tuesday, March 15. Funkhouser, a Japanese and classical civilization major, is studying at Iwate University in Morioka, Japan, in the Iwate Prefecture about an hour from the earthquake’s epicenter.

Forensics team excels at state championships

Team members and faculty coaches, from left: David DePino ’13, John Stanley, Nic

North Central’s forensics team won three first-place titles and a team sweepstakes award at Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Championships.

March 10, 2011—North Central College’s forensics team excelled in this year’s State Championship Tournament, hosted by the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association (IIFA) March 4-5 at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb. North Central won three first-place titles and garnered a top prize, IIFA’s George Armstrong Cumulative Team Sweepstakes award.

Nearly 200 students, representing 19 Illinois colleges and universities, attended the tournament. Competition was held in both debate and 12 individual events in order to determine this year’s State Champions.

Alumna Cynthia Jele wins Commonwealth Writers’ Prize

Alumna and author Cynthia Jele has won the 2011 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for the Best First Book in the African region.

Alumna Cynthia Jele wins Commonwealth Writers’ Prize

March 7, 2011—North Central graduate and author Cynthia Jele has won the 2011 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for the Best First Book in the African region for her novel “Happiness is a Four-letter Word.”

Jele earns a trip to the Sydney Writers Festival in May, when her book will compete against finalists from other Commonwealth regions for two overall best first book awards.

Computer science students excel at regional competition

Advanced team members, from left: Pero Atanasov ’11, Jonathan Rascher ’12, Kelvi

Computer science students stand out at Associated Colleges of the Chicagoland Area computer programming competition in advanced and novice divisions.

March 4, 2011—Computer science students from North Central College were among the top performers at the 2011 Associated Colleges of the Chicagoland Area (ACCA) computer programming competition held Feb. 26 at Wheaton College in Wheaton.

The competition includes two divisions: a novice division for students with one year of programming or less and an advanced division for all other students. This year’s contest fielded eight teams at the novice level and 14 teams at the advanced level. North Central sent one novice team and two advanced teams.

Feb. 24 info sessions for D-Term courses

Students interested in learning about the 2011 D-Term study abroad opportunities are invited to attend information sessions Thursday, Feb. 24, in various classrooms in Goldspohn Hall. The sessions will take place from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. and students can attend as many as they want.

Feb. 15 lecture, film focus on India

North Central will host a free lecture, followed by a film at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Meiley-Swallow Hall. Madhu Rao, an international women’s rights advocate, will give a talk titled “Renting a Womb in India: Outsourcing’s New Frontier” that was originally scheduled for Feb. 1. The film “The Story of India” by Michael Woods (photo) will be shown at 8:30 p.m. Part two of a six-part series made for PBS and BBC, this film is a journey through today’s India and uncovers the country’s historic figures, achievements, legacies and impact in the region.

Self Employment in the Arts Conference helps creative students gain a business edge

North Central College hosts the 11th annual Self Employment in the Arts (SEA) Conference Feb. 25-26.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (Jan. 26, 2011)—College and high school students, educators and adults who aspire to be self-employed artists will gain valuable information about running their own business Feb. 25-26 when North Central College hosts the 11th annual Self Employment in the Arts (SEA) Conference.

Celebrate Chinese New Year Feb. 15

The Chinese Club invites the community to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit Tuesday, Feb. 15.

Jan. 21, 2011—North Central College’s Chinese Club will host its annual Chinese New Year Festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, in the Harold and Eva White Activities Center, 325 E. Benton Ave., Naperville.

The free event celebrates the Year of the Rabbit and will start with the traditional Lion Dance and feature Chinese instruments and music, Chinese martial arts, games and authentic food.