August 2012 | North Central College

Loomis Street railroad crossing closed Aug. 24-31 for maintenance

The City of Naperville announced that the Loomis Street crossing of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad will be closed for one week while construction crews perform track maintenance at the crossing.

The closure is scheduled to take place beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24, and ending at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, pending weather and unforeseen circumstances. The crossing will be closed to both traffic and pedestrians for the week. While repairs are taking place, the City will also be replacing defective sidewalk at and near the crossing.

Political Science Engages Social Media

North Central College today is fertile ground for collaborations across disciplines and experiments with curriculum, facilities design and technology. It adds up to better opportunities for student learning and liberal arts education relevant to the 21st century.

In the fast-paced world of election-year politics, the students of William Muck and Suzanne Chod are tweeting about the fast-paced political scene.

North Central College political science professor earns award, analyzes GOP VP pick

North Central College political science professor Stephen Maynard Caliendo has earned an award for a book he coauthored.

Aug. 16, 2012—North Central College political science professor Stephen Maynard Caliendo has earned an award for a book he coauthored and appeared on radio and television this week to analyze the selection of the Republican vice presidential running mate.

Gems gives talk, publishes reviews and entries in books

Gerald Gems, professor of health and physical education

Gerald Gems, North Central College professor of health and physical education, gives presentation in Brazil, publishes two book reviews and two entries in book.

Gerald Gems, North Central College professor of health and physical education, gave a presentation titled “Sport and Physical Education in the Construction of a Nation” at the International Society for the History of Physical Education and Sport in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, July 10.

Skurkis coordinates exhibit, showcases his artwork in three exhibits

Barry Skurkis, associate professor of art

Barry Skurkis, North Central College associate professor of art, arranged two Chicago Society of Artists exhibits, presented his own work in three exhibits.

Barry Skurkis, North Central College associate professor of art, is vice president of the Chicago Society of Artists and arranged the society’s Members’ Exhibit, sponsored by the Anderson Art Center in Kenosha, Wis. Skurkis selected the artists, artwork and prepared the prospectus. Some 37 artists participated and displayed more than 120 pieces of art, which included oil and acrylic paintings, watercolors, monoprints, photographs and sculptures. In addition, the Chicago Society of Artists 2012 Traveling Calendar Exhibit will also be on display at the center. Both exhibits run Aug.

Faculty and staff recognized for outstanding service, teaching, scholarship

North Central College recognizes faculty and administrative staff members for outstanding teaching, scholarship and service “above and beyond the call of duty.”

North Central College recognized faculty and administrative staff members for their outstanding teaching, scholarship and service “above and beyond the call of duty” for the 2011-2012 academic year. Each was presented with endowed awards established in memory of two North Central College alumni—Clarence F. Dissinger, Class of 1921, and his sister Ruth C. Dissinger Althaus, Class of 1922. With the exception of the scholarship prize, awards were based on student, faculty and staff nominations and announced in May 2012.

The administrative staff award recipients are:

Keating authors new book “Rising up from Indian Country”

Ann Durkin Keating, Dr. C. Frederick Toenniges Professor of History

Ann Durkin Keating, North Central College Dr. C. Frederick Toenniges Professor of History, recounts battle of Fort Dearborn and birth of Chicago in new book.

Ann Durkin Keating, North Central College Dr. C. Frederick Toenniges Professor of History, has authored a new book, titled “Rising up from Indian Country: The Battle of Fort Dearborn and the Birth of Chicago,” published by the University of Chicago Press. The book’s release coincides with the Aug. 15, 2012, bicentennial of the Battle of Fort Dearborn.

Update on restricted areas during campus construction projects

Due to upcoming construction activities along the Sesquicentennial Walkway, several areas will be affected starting Monday, Aug. 13, through the completion of the project in late fall.

A temporary fence will be installed around the perimeter of the Van Buren parking lot, adjacent to the 116 S. Brainard House. Also, accessiblity to the alley will be restricted and parking will not be permitted in any of the gravel lots behind the faculty/staff houses between Van Buren and Jefferson Avenues.

North Central College education students sharpen skills at Addison summer school

North Central College education students gain valuable experience teaching summer school to high-need students in Addison.

North Central College education students are gaining valuable experience teaching high-need students in a unique summer school program in Addison. Launched in 2010, the enrichment program serves students identified as needing help in literacy and math.

Chronicle of Higher Education names North Central a 2012 Great College To Work For

North Central College ranks among the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Results of a study released Aug. 6 in The Chronicle’s fifth annual report on The Academic Workplace are based on a survey of nearly 46,000 employees at 294 colleges and universities. This is the second consecutive year North Central College has earned the recognition.

The College was recognized in two categories: