Legacy of Science | North Central College

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.

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:

Jim McDermet M ’92

Senior Vice President and General Manager Seattle's Best Coffee, Starbucks Corporation

McDermet earned his M.B.A. at North Central College while working as a regional vice president for Burger King in the Chicago area. “I chose North Central College for its track in leadership in the management of change,” he says. “The only constant in life is change. You always have the opportunity to re-invent yourself and blaze a new trail.”

He started his career frying french fries at Burger King and over a period of 24 years, progressed to a corporate position at the Miami headquarters. He left Burger King to open a small chain of coffee shops in the Miami area, satisfying what he says was an “itch” to become an entrepreneur and attributes it to one of his professors at North Central.

His business called Java Centrale ultimately led to a position as regional director at Starbucks in Seattle. Since joining the company in 2000, his rapid ascent through the management ranks at Starbucks is due to his focus on sales, customer and employee satisfaction and, of course, knowing how to manage change.

Students may apply by Feb. 20 for Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research

Students may apply by Feb. 20 to present their original research at the College’s 16th annual Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research May 14.

North Central College students may apply by Feb. 20 to present their original research at the College’s 16th annual Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research, which will take place during Honors Day on Tuesday, May 14.

Information about the symposium and how to submit proposals may be found on the College’s website. A list of frequently asked questions also is available.

North Central College student Maria Gommel honored as 2012 Lincoln Laureate

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois is honoring North Central College Goldwater Scholar Maria Gommel as a 2012 Lincoln Laureate.

Maria Gommel has been named North Central College’s 2012 Lincoln Laureate.

Gommel is a senior from Malta, Ill., who is double-majoring in actuarial science and mathematics and minoring in economics. She intends to pursue a doctorate in mathematics after graduation.

She is a participant in North Central’s College Scholars Honors Program for high-achieving undergraduates. She spent a year working with two other students and mathematics professor Linda Gao on mathematical modeling research in epidemiology.

North Central honors Fred Janzen ’85 with Outstanding Alumni Award

Fred Janzen ’85, Outstanding Alumni Award

North Central College to honor professor and scientist Fred Janzen with a 2012 Outstanding Alumni Award during Homecoming Convocation Oct. 26.

North Central College is honoring Fred Janzen, Ph.D., of Ames, Iowa, with a 2012 Outstanding Alumni Award.

Janzen and five others will be honored during the College’s Homecoming Convocation at 4:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville.

U.S. News & World Report ranks North Central College among America’s Best Colleges

U.S. News & World Report magazine ranks North Central College among America’s Best Colleges for 2013.

North Central College is ranked No. 13 in the Midwest in the Regional Universities category—schools that offer a full range of undergraduate and master’s degrees. North Central College was ranked No. 23 among Midwest Regional Universities for 2012.

Academic conference showcases scholarly pursuits of North Central College faculty

President Wilde delivers the keynote at the Excellence in Scholarship conference

A conference showcased the scholarly work of North Central professors, whose academic pursuits include conducting research, writing and creating artwork.

A North Central College conference showcased the scholarly work of professors, whose academic pursuits include conducting research, writing fiction and nonfiction and creating works of art.

“A Promising Start: Excellence in Scholarship” on Sept. 4 featured panel discussions, poster presentations and sessions during which nearly 40 faculty members shared stories and findings of their independent scholarly work.

North Central College nationally recognized as a College of Distinction for 2012-2013

North Central College is being nationally recognized as a College of Distinction for 2012-2013.

Colleges of Distinction is a college guide that considers the views of guidance counselors, educators and admissions professionals to honor colleges that excel in four areas of undergraduate education: student engagement in the educational process, great teaching, vibrant learning communities and successful outcomes.

Community invited to North Central College faculty scholarship conference Sept. 4

Community members are invited to "A Promising Start: Excellence in Scholarship," a Sept. 4 academic conference at North Central College.

Community members are invited to hear faculty members discuss recent books they’ve authored, present findings of their scholarly research and talk about partnerships with local organizations during an academic conference Sept. 4 at North Central College.