May 2011 | North Central College

Show your appreciation with certificates

The Class of 2011 Gift Committee is selling appreciation certificates, May 31, June 1 and 2. As the school year wraps up, a great way to recognize someone who’s making a difference at North Central College is to send them an appreciation certificate. Purchase one certificate for $3 or three for $5 and write your personal note of appreciation to any faculty, staff or student. Printed certificates and notes of appreciation will be delivered during Finals Week, June 6-8.

New fine arts season deals, May 27 & 31

As faculty and staff learned at the May 26 New Season Unveiling Party, tickets to presented events (with some exclusions) for the 2011-2012 fine & performing arts season are half price for two days only—May 27 & 31—when you call or stop by the box office. Some exclusions are Yo-Yo Ma, Bernadette Peters and the Cabaret Series shows; call the box office for more details. Tickets for all shows go on sale to the general public June 1.

Brandi Balensiefen earns Outstanding Major in Psychology Award

Brandi Balensiefen was honored with the 2011 Outstanding Major in Psychology Award during Honors Day May 17 at North Central College.

Brandi Balensiefen was honored with the Outstanding Major in Psychology Award during Honors Day May 17 at North Central College.

Balensiefen is a graduating senior at North Central College and has been accepted to a graduate program in international relations and human resources at the University of Illinois.

Pero Atanasov earns Outstanding Major in Computer Science Award

Pero Atanasov was honored with the 2011 Outstanding Major in Computer Science Award during Honors Day May 17 at North Central College.

Pero Atanasov was honored with the Outstanding Major in Computer Science Award during Honors Day May 17 at North Central College.

Atanasov is a graduating senior double-majoring in computer science and economics. After graduation he plans to begin a position as a software quality assurance (QA) engineer with Informatica, a leading provider of enterprise data integration software.

He is a recipient of the S.W. Kung Scholarship, which has financed his education after his family in his home of Macedonia could no longer assist him.

Gilberto Perez earns Outstanding Major in Physics Award

Gilberto Perez was honored with the Outstanding Major in Physics Award during Honors Day May 17 at North Central College.

Gilberto Perez was honored with the 2011 Outstanding Major in Physics Award during Honors Day May 17 at North Central College.

Perez is majoring in physics. Enrolled in North Central’s 3-2 dual degree program in engineering, Perez will attend the University of Illinois to complete his electrical engineering degree from North Central and the University of Illinois.

Rosemary Forg earns Outstanding Major in Biochemistry Award

Rosemary Forg was honored with the 2011 Outstanding Major in Biochemistry Award during Honors Day May 17 at North Central College.

Forg is a graduating senior majoring in biochemistry. She has conducted summer research at North Central College presented her research at the Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research. She also has made the dean's list for maintaining a high grade-point average.

She is a 2007 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora.

John Willis earns Outstanding Major in Chemistry Award

John Willis was awarded the 2011 Outstanding Major in Chemistry Award during Honors Day May 17 at North Central College.

Willis is a graduating senior majoring in chemistry. At North Central, Willis tutored students in chemistry and presented research at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR). He also conducted summer research at the College and participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Colloquium (SURC).

Amy Krenn earns Outstanding Major in Biology Award

Amy Krenn was honored with the 2011 Outstanding Major in Biology Award during Honors Day May 17 at North Central College.

Krenn is a graduating senior majoring in biology with a minor in secondary education. At North Central in spring 2011, she participated in a Biology-Chemistry Interdisciplinary Seminar, presenting the paper, "The Effects of an Inquiry Based Saturday Science Program on the Interest Levels and Development of Science Processing Skills in Fourth and Fifth Grade Girls."

The following is the abstract from Krenn's research:

Biochemistry, computer science major Grace Muganda earns Science Division award

Grace Muganda was honored with the 2011 Outstanding Student in the Division of Science Award during Honors Day May 17 at North Central College.

Muganda is double-majoring in biochemistry and computer science. She was recently recognized for receiving an honorable mention in the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater National Scholarship program.

Poetry magazine editor to deliver Commencement address

Christian Wiman, editor of Poetry magazine, will deliver the Commencement address June 11 at North Central College’s 146th graduation ceremony.

Christian Wiman, editor of Poetry magazine, will deliver the address June 11 at the 146th Commencement ceremony of North Central College, which is celebrating the Sesquicentennial of its founding in 1861.

Honorary degrees will be awarded to Brenda Barnes, former chief executive of Sara Lee Corporation; Roger Hruby, a business leader and entrepreneur; and Myron Wentz, a scientist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and best-selling author. Hruby and Wentz are alumni of North Central College.