Alumni | North Central College

Students, staff present at LEV-cosponsored conference on faith, justice and civic learning

North Central College’s Leadership, Ethics and Values (LEV) program recently co-sponsored the first National Faith, Justice and Civic Learning Conference.

July 1, 2011—North Central College’s Leadership, Ethics and Values (LEV) program recently cosponsored the first National Faith, Justice and Civic Learning Conference with DePaul University, providing students and staff the opportunity to present three sessions on various topics.

Cancer researcher returns to North Central to guest lecture science courses

Zach Pratt, a 2005 alumnus who recently completed his doctorate in cancer biology, returned to North Central to guest lecture some biology courses.

Zach Pratt hopes to combine his passion for scientific research with his knack for teaching.

Since earning his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from North Central in 2005, Pratt has completed his doctorate in cancer biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He returned to North Central in February 2011 to guest lecture some biology courses, using bacteria to teach a lesson in evolution.

Dr. David Fuentes delivers Rall Symposium keynote address about music as research

David Fuentes, Ph.D., delivered the keynote address for North Central College’s 16th annual Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.

Every culture in human history has created music and experienced its power to shape thoughts and feelings, David Fuentes, Ph.D., said in his keynote address for North Central College’s 16th annual Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.

Fuentes, professor of composition and theory at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., spoke about music’s inherent connection to the human experience in his address, “Do You Hear What I Hear? Listening as Research,” May 14 in the College’s Wentz Concert Hall.

National Science Foundation honors North Central College President Troy D. Hammond

North Central College President Troy D. Hammond is being honored by the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

North Central College President Troy D. Hammond is one of only 60 outstanding alumni of the National Science Foundation’s highly competitive Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) to be honored and profiled by the prestigious organization upon the occasion of its 60th anniversary.

Troy D. Hammond to be inaugurated May 17 as 10th president of North Central College

The May 17 inauguration of Troy D. Hammond as 10th president of North Central College is part of a week that includes concerts and a fireworks display.

The May 17 inauguration of Troy D. Hammond as the 10th president of North Central College is part of a week that includes honors ceremonies, concerts and a fireworks display.

The inauguration occurs during Cornerstone Week, May 13-19, an annual celebration that commemorates the College’s 1870 move to Naperville from Plainfield and the laying of the cornerstone for Old Main. Some events will be webcast live. The week includes the following events:

North Central alumna, English graduate is guest lecturer May 6

North Central College alumna and author Rachel Louise Snyder ’92 will give a talk May 6 on ethical issues in the “post-sweatshop” world.

North Central College alumna Rachel Louise Snyder ’92 will give a talk on ethical issues in the “post-sweatshop” world at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 6, in Meiley-Swallow Hall. The free event is part of the College’s yearlong focus on global human rights.

North Central College alumna earns national award for teaching excellence

Stephanie Theis ’05 Hawkins, winner of 2012-2013 Milken Educator Award

North Central College alumna Stephanie Theis ’05 Hawkins was recognized for excellence in teaching with a 2012-2013 Milken Educator Award.

North Central College alumna Stephanie Theis ’05 Hawkins, a second-grade teacher at Lynne Thigpen Elementary School in Joliet, Ill., was recognized for her teaching with a 2012-2013 Milken Educator Award.

A school-wide assembly was called on April 12, and students and teachers were told it would feature a member of the Illinois State Board of Education. What Hawkins did not realize, however, was that she would be presented with the Milken Educator Award for excellence in the education profession.

New Ruge Fellows “humbled” by honor

North Central College has named three Ruge Fellows, rewarding outstanding teaching of senior faculty.

North Central College has rewarded three faculty members for their outstanding teaching by naming them Ruge Fellows. Mara Berkland, associate professor of speech communication, Stephen Maynard Caliendo, professor of political science, and Nancy Peterson, professor of chemistry, were recognized at the April 25 faculty meeting by R. Devadoss Pandian, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty.

“Teaching is an art and a science,” he said. “These professors have an enthusiasm for working with students and a passion for their discipline that’s unfathomable.”

Rabenold’s artwork displayed in studio at national conference

Christine Rabenold, assistant professor of art

Christine Rabenold, North Central College assistant professor of art, displayed her ceramic artwork in “Redefined,” an exhibit at a national arts conference.

Christine Rabenold, North Central College assistant professor of art and student art gallery director, displayed four ceramic pieces in an exhibition titled “Redefined” at Spring Street Studios in Houston. Her artwork was part of the Concurrent Independent Exhibitions at the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference held March 20-23.

Hoodie Allen performs May 18 at North Central College with The Ready Set, Outasight

North Central College welcomes American hip-hop artist Hoodie Allen in concert May 18 with opening acts Outasight and The Ready Set.

The performance begins at 9 p.m. Saturday, May 18, in North Central’s Residence Hall/Recreation Center, 440 S. Brainard St. Tickets are $20; call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix. The concert is presented by North Central College’s Fine and Performing Arts, College Union Activities Board (CUAB) and Office of Alumni Relations.