Letter from the Editor

The greater good.

When you read that phrase, what comes to mind? Underpaid teachers giving their all so the next generation can have bright opportunities after graduation? Food banks and nonprofits coming together to serve the most vulnerable people in our communities? Scientists and doctors collaborating to create new medicines and vaccines to keep the general public healthy?

The truth is that all of this work—and much, much more—done right in our backyards and around the world, can be described as mission-based leadership. This issue of Northern Now focuses on some of the Huskie leaders who have stepped up to do this kind of work, fighting for what is best for all of us.

I am so proud that so many members of our NIU family have become changemakers, choosing to seek out the greater good for humankind. Certainly, this kind of work requires grit and the Huskie spirit, and we are delighted for the many ways the Huskie Pack is making a positive difference.

As for the NIU Alumni Association’s mission, we strive to build lifelong relationships with alumni and friends by communicating the message of excellence and creating opportunities to connect and interact with the University community. I hope this issue of our magazine helps you feel connected to your alma mater and your fellow Huskies, inspiring you to reach out, reconnect and do your part to promote the greater good.

Go, Huskies!


Reggie Bustinza
Executive Director, Operations and Alumni Engagement,
NIU Foundation

NIUAA President Letter

FROM YOUR NIUAA PRESIDENT

As a proud Huskie and the new NIU Alumni Association President I am excited about the upcoming 2022-23 school year, and I hope you are as well!

This past spring, 2,240 students graduated and joined the ranks of Huskie alumni. The COVID pandemic made their Huskie experience challenging. Yet, as is the Huskie tradition, they not only met these challenges but left an outstanding record of academic and athletic achievements. We welcome these future leaders to the Huskie alumni family.

The Alumni Association is planning a wide range of services and a full calendar of events in the coming months. We encourage you to come back to campus to see the great things that are happening at your alma mater.

Our slate of events is something that I’m very proud of, and I hope you are, too.

The board and the staff of the NIU Alumni Association are here to serve the alumni and this University. I encourage you to attend events, stay in the know about what is going on at NIU through myniu.com or consider volunteering. If you have any ideas about how we can serve you, please reach out to us at alums@niu.edu.

We look forward to seeing you in the coming year.

Go, Huskies!

RICH ESCALANTE ’74, M.A.P.A. ’ 78

In Memoriam

’51

DR. MOSE A. GALLUZZO on March 13, 2022, in Rockford.

’52

JULIUS BRASINI in December 2021 in Frankfort, Illinois.

’56

JOHN “JACK” W. EGLER on Jan. 12, 2022, in Rockford, Illinois.

ANTONETTE F. HANSON on April 14, 2022, in Beloit, Wisconsin.

’57

NORMAN CHARLES ECKSTROM on Friday, May 13, 2022, in DeKalb, Illinois.

RONALD W. HABICH, M.S. ’64, on March 11, 2022, in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida.

DONN E. MCGINNIS on July 3, 2021, in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

RUDOLPH “RUDY” J. SKUL, JR., on Jan. 2, 2022, in Downers Grove, Illinois.

’58

HOWARD BURNS, on Sept 20, 2021, in Aurora, Illinois.

DIANE (MORSCH) CRAWSHAW, M.S.Ed. ’70, on July 11, 2021, in Aurora, Illinois.

’61

CARMEN F. “CARMIE” (GEISON) KELLOGG, Ed.D. ’68, on April 11, 2022, in Rockford, Illinois.

’62

GEORGE JIRASEK on Aug. 31, 2021, in Saxeville, Wisconsin.

’63

RAYMOND LERETTE on Nov. 28, 2021, in Illinois.

’64

RONALD B. (“COACH”) ASHLEY on May 26, 2022, in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

ROBERT E. GUZZARDO on Jan. 31, 2022, in Greenville, South Carolina

HOMER M. “BUTCH” HAYES, III, M.S.Ed. ’65, in September 2021 in San Antonio, Texas.

DONALD LEDBETTER, M.S.Ed., on Jan. 2, 2022, in Ottawa, Illinois.

ROBERT HAROLD REBER, M.S., on June 6, 2021, in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

’65

LOIS (GRUBNER) BABCOCK on Feb. 3, 2022, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

FOSTER GILMAN “GIL” BEAMSLEY III, on Aug. 30, 2021, in DeKalb, Illinois.

THOMAS DAHLFORS, M.S.Ed. ’68, on March 4, 2022, in Woodstock, Illinois.

’66

MARILYNN CHRISTINE SCHROEDER on July 22, 2021, in Toledo, Ohio.

DIANE TREMLY on April 17, 2022, in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

’67

DAVID R. CONRAD, M.S., on Aug. 5, 2021, in Woodstock, Illinois.

’68

JUDITH “JUDY” A. (LATOURRETTE) ADDICKS on July 13, 2021, in Normal, Illinois.

GERALD W. “JERRY” FISHER, M.S.Ed. ’69, C.A.S. ’73, on July 7, 2021, in Madison, Wisconsin.

MARY D. HURST, on April 17, 2022, in Schaumburg, Illinois.

EDWARD JOSEPH ROWLEY, M.S.Ed., on Feb. 4, 2022, in Barrington, Illinois.

’69

ROBERT ARNOLD, M.S.Ed., Ed.D. ’82, on Oct. 1, 2021, in Bloomington, Illinois.

FRANK ALAN DUDOWICZ, M.B.A. ’70, on May 1, 2022, in Denton, Texas.

DAVID CLARK LUNN on June 15, 2021, in Rockford, Illinois.

’70

RAYONIA ALLEEN (VAUGHN) BABEL, M.S. ’71, on May 9, 2022, in Geneva, Illinois.

KENNETH NORDSTROM, M.S.Ed., on Oct. 24, 2021, in Muncie, Indiana.

’71

STEVEN JEWETT on Oct. 7, 2021, in Griffith, Indiana.

RAYMOND MARTIN BERNARD KUMOR, M.S. ’76, on Jan. 6, 2022, in Dubuque, Iowa.

WILLIAM J. STAMPER, M.S.Ed. ’75, on Nov. 16, 2021, in Western Springs, Illinois.

RONALD C. STUART on June 26. 2021, in Joliet, Illinois.

’72

LOXLEY THISTLE ECKLES IV on Aug. 7, 2021, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

PAUL R. GLOCKHOFF on June 8, 2021, in Silvis, Illinois.

ROBERT A. JOHNSTON, M.A., on Dec. 23, 2021, in Sun City West, Arizona.

’73

JUDY JANE BARONS, M.A., on Feb. 15, 2022, in Stevensville, Michigan.

CAROLANN MCKESSON LAIRD on June 24, 2021, in Franklin, Tennessee.

J. MICHAEL NORMAN, M.A., on Aug. 6, 2021, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

MARY JANE PEARSON on March 13, 2022, in Rockford, Illinois.

’74

PATRICIA K. ANDLER, on Aug. 30, 2021, in Naperville, Illinois.

KAYE (KHOURY) DIGIOVANNI on July 14, 2021, in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

JOHN WRENN, M.S. ’77, in October 2021, in Sarasota, Florida.

’75

DENNIS CRAIG BISHOP, M.S. ’80, on March 12, 2022, in Rockford.

GEORGE MICHAEL “MIKE” FRAVALA, M.B.A., on May 6, 2022, in Hillsboro, Missouri.

SHARON HARVEY, M.S., on May 11, 2021, in Champaign, Illinois.

MARTIN J. KORANDA on Sept. 29, 2021, in Darien, Illinois.

NANCY MOORE, M.S., on Dec. 27, 2021, in Woodstock, Illinois.

MARY SAMARDZIJA, M.S.Ed. ’92, Ed.D. ’05, on Jan. 10, 2022, in Arlington, Virginia.

’76

JOAN BURGER on Feb. 26, 2022, in DeKalb, Illinois.

LINDA (LAMONT) SCHUMANN on Feb. 11, 2022, in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

PATRICIA DEAN STOCKNER, M.A. ’78, on Jan. 27, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa.

EDWARD WINARSKI, M.S.Ed., on Sept. 29, 2021, in Simsbury, Connecticut.

’77

ALICE B. (BARTHOLD) DAVITT, M.S.Ed., in December 2021, in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

RICHARD GENSMER, M.S., on Oct. 9, 2021, in Broomfield, Colorado.

GERALD MELLENTHIN, M.B.A., on Aug. 28, 2021, in Lake in the Hills, Illinois.

DAVID LEO THOMPSON, M.S., in March 2022 in Naperville, Illinois.

’78

ANNE LARA, M.A. ’80, on Dec. 19, 2021, in Sycamore, Illinois.

‘79

KENNETH NOVAK, M.A., on July 18, 2021, in Dixon, Illinois.

’80

STEVEN EKENBERG, M.S. ’82, on Oct. 16, 2021, in Madison, Wisconsin.

ETHEL R. KOTCHE, M.S.Ed., on Dec. 11, 2021, in Rockford.

’81

NANCY NORGAARD, M.S., on June 11, 2021, in St. Charles, Illinois.

’83

NATALIE VAN VLIET BOONSTRA-BOSSCHER, M.S. Ed., on April 19, 2022, in Sugarland, Texas.

SUSAN CASTLE, M.S. ’86, on July 13, 2021, in Rockford, Illinois.

BARBARA GALITZ, M.S.Ed., in August 2021 in Naperville, Illinois.

VIRGINIA (GINNY) ELIZABETH GERALD, Ed.D. ’83, on May 29, 2022, in Naples, Florida.

CATHERINE JANE (CAREY) MCDONOUGH on Oct. 27, 2021, in Chicago, Illinois.

MICHAEL “MIKE” FITZGERALD MURPHY on March 13, 2022, in Ottawa, Illinois.

’84

EDWARD MARONEY on May 26, 2021, in Riverside, Illinois.

FERN T. (GILLESPIE) STOVLBECK on Sep. 11, 2021, in Beloit, Wisconsin.

’85

MATTHEW “MATT” TOOHEY, M.P.A., on Dec. 31, 2021, in Winnebago, Illinois.

’86

GREGORY JOHN BARTIK on Jan. 21, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

’89

CAREN BARCH CANFIELD on March 18, 2022, in Rockford, Illinois.

’94

LOU ANN (GOUKER) GOLDSTEIN on June 6, 2021, in Chicago, Illinois.

’95

ROBERT DEAN MCMILLIN, M.S., on May 8, 2022, in Troy, Illinois.

’03

JULIENE LONGWORTH, M.A., on Dec. 30, 2021, in Urbana, Illinois.

’08

NICHOLAS RYAN KOCH, M.S., on Dec. 29, 2021, in Kankakee, Illinois.

’13

JOSHUA AARON HURLIMAN on May 26, 2022, in Rockford, Illinois.

ANIL VARUGHESE JOHN on Jan. 10, 2022, in Kankakee, Illinois.

’15

STACI JO GARVIN, Ed.D., on March 1, 2022, in Arlington Heights.

’16

STEPHEN SPAULDING KAFKAS, Ph.D., on June 22, 2021, in Portland, Maine.


Faculty, Staff & Friends

Edna Hollar Barbour, retired faculty, on Dec. 15, 2020, in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Dorothea A. Bilder, retired faculty, on April 28, 2022, in DeKalb, Illinois.

Elder Bridgewater, retired staff, on July 27, 2021, in Sycamore, Illinois.

John Jerome Dlabal Jr., retired faculty, on May 19, 2022, in DeKalb, Illinois.

Patricia Farnham, retired staff, on July 16, 2021, in Glenview, Illinois.

Cheryl Henert, former staff, on July 10, 2022 in Davis Junction, Illinois.

Theodore Kisiel, retired faculty, on Dec. 25, 2021, in Winfield, Illinois.

Avra Liakos, retired faculty, on April 29, 2022, in Sycamore, Illinois.

Claude Selby Morris, friend of the University, on July 8, 2021, in Fox Lake, Illinois.

David Olenick, student, on April 20, 2022, in Fox Lake, Illinois.

Kathleen “Kay” Ann Robinson, retired staff, on May 2, 2022, in DeKalb, Illinois.

Terri L. Sweig, retired faculty, on Jan. 2, 2022, in Wilmette, Illinois.

Class Notes

’67

ROBERT O’CONNOR published his 23rd book, a historical novel titled The Trial of Jefferson Davis in April. O’Connor, a nationally known Civil War author, has been named a finalist for National Book Awards four times. The Dixon, Illinois, native now lives in Charles Town, West Virginia.

’68

REV. GLORIA HOPEWELL retired in November 2021 after serving nearly 10 years as rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Galena, Illinois. After many years in the medical laboratory field, she received an M.Div. from Chicago Theological Seminary and then a D.Min. from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. She was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1997 and served three churches in the Chicago Metropolitan area.

’75

DON DOXSIE was inducted into the Quad Cities Hall of Fame in May 2022.

’77

CHRIS PERKOVICH, M.S.Ed. ’96, created “Chris Perkovich: The First Seventy Years,” an art exhibit at the DeKalb Area Women’s Center, which opened in May.

’78

CARY GROTH, M.S.Ed. ’99, was inducted into the Mid-American Conference Hall of Fame as part of its 2022 class in March.

DANIEL HOEFLER, M.S.Ed., E.S. ’87, was selected as the Batavia Citizen of the Year in Batavia, Illinois, in January 2022.

DEHAVEN WOODCOCK, M.B.A. ’80, retired from McArthur Senior High School in August 2021. He has since accepted a special education/math teaching position at Huntsville Intermediate School in Huntsville, Texas. He also ran in the 50th Chevron/ Houston Marathon in January 2022, which was his 15th marathon.

’79

GINA BERNDT was named chief marketing officer for Perkins&Will in Chicago in December 2021.

’80

MARGARET KRISTAN was elected chair of the Wisconsin Governor’s Committee for People with Disabilities (GCPD) in February 2022.

KENT OOTS, M.A., Ph.D. ’84, retired as director of exam development at CFA Institute in May 2022.

’81

PETER DONNELLAN was appointed to the role of executive director, after sales, in the Customer Satisfaction and Training division at Genesis Motor America in March 2022.

’82

STEPHAN ACHS was appointed to the role of chief executive officer for Super Steel LLC in February 2022.

DEBBIE GRYMKOSKI retired from Pueblo Community College, where she taught biology and microbiology and served as the science lab coordinator, before moving to Molokai, Hawaii, where she continues to tutor students.

WILLIAM F. TATE IV, president of Louisiana State University, was among the world’s most accomplished scholars, scientists, writers, artists, civic, business and philanthropic leaders elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in May 2022.

’83

DEBORAH COLLURA began a new role as vice president and general manager of CBS News and Stations’ local businesses in Sacramento in January 2022.

’84

BILL ABOLT was appointed to lead the U.S. energy practice at AECOM, the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm in February 2022.

’85

TOM DOHERTY was appointed as VP of lending services and products for Pitney Bowes in October 2021.

JEFF WHETZEL joined Ascendant National Title as chief financial officer in May 2022. In this new role, Whetzel will be responsible for supporting the company’s continued growth and performance objectives.

’86

BARRY BURMEISTER retired from his position as McHenry West High School athletic director in McHenry, Illinois, in May 2022.

CRAIG HANSON was appointed as the new chief of the Batavia Fire Department in May 2022.

TERRENCE “TERRY” HORAN was named president and CEO of Virginia Beach-based Stihl Inc., the largest subsidiary of Stihl Group that supplies the majority of its products for the U.S. market.

DR. MICHAEL ROBEY was selected as the next superintendent of The West Bonner County School District in Idaho in March 2022.

DAVID STRAHL, M.P.A., was named the new deputy county manager for the Jefferson County Commission in Jefferson County, Alabama, in May 2022.

’87

MARK MIDDENDORF was appointed to president of Ave Maria University in January 2022.

’88

DILIP DAS, M.S.Ed., was selected as the University of Toledo’s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion in March 2022.

JIM WOZNIAK, serves as director of communications and marketing at Tusculum University in Greeneville, Tennessee. He has been married since 1993 to Emily, and they have a son, David.

’91

Edgar County State’s Attorney MARK ISAF, J.D., was appointed as a resident circuit judge for that county in the Fifth Judicial Circuit in April 2022.

’92

DANA LAWNZAK has assumed the position of director of food chain outreach and international development at the American Egg Board.

JIM PADILLA was named a founding dean to shape the new School of Business and Economics at Carthage College in April 2022.

JEANNE RICHEAL, M.S. ’94, was appointed as a member of the Illinois Forensic Science Commission in March 2022.

’94

ANDY BINDER joined Healthwise, a leader in evidence-based health education, technology, and services, as the company’s chief operating officer in February 2022.

CARMEN WASSERMAN, J.D., was appointed to chief legal officer at Le-Vel, a leading innovator in nutrition and skincare, in April 2022.

’95

TRACY L. WILLIAMS was appointed as president of the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin in March 2022.

’96

BILL HANNAH, M.P.A., was named the director of finance for the City of St. Charles, Illinois.

AMAAL TOKARS, M.S., Ed.D. ’04, was named interim director of the Illinois Department of Public Health in March 2022. She has previously worked as the agency’s assistant director.

’97

BONNIEJEAN ALFORD, M.A. ’09, was named 2022 National Council of Higher Education/National Education Association Higher Education of the Year. She also launched a publishing company, Parking Lot Press, with the inaugural author’s book, which is about growing up with Williams Syndrome, scheduled to launch in November 2022.

JULIA JASKEN, M.A., was inaugurated as president of McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, in April 2022.

’98

MELANIE WELCH, M.S., was named the director of the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office in October 2021.

’99

College of DuPage President BRIAN CAPUTO, M.P.A. Ph.D. ’15, was named president-elect of the Three Fires Council and Representative to the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America in May 2022.

LARRY VAUPEL, M.P.A., Ph.D. ’15, was appointed to the role of economic development director for Vista, Florida, in April 2022.

’00

LUCRETZIA JAMISON was named executive director of the Youth Job Center, a leading youth workforce agency in Evanston, Illinois, in May 2022.

JIMSI KUBORN was named economic development director for the city of Janesville, Wisconsin, in April 2022.

’01

JOHN REINICHE, M.S.Ed., was approved as the assistant superintendent for administrative services at the Valley View School District in February 2022.

ABBEY ZINK, Ph.D., became provost of Slippery Rock University in March 2022.

’02

MELANIE D. HETZELRIGGIN, M.A., Ph.D. ’05, was appointed director of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Penn State Behrend, where she has taught since 2013, in May 2022.

JODI MEGERLE, M.S.Ed., Ed.D. ’20, was chosen as the district superintendent of The River Trails Elementary District 26 in Mount Prospect, Illinois, in May 2022.

’03

GAY MAGNUS was named the director of the Alpha School of Music in Kingston, Jamaica.

JENNIFER RICHARDS, C.P.A., was promoted to partner in audit services at Crowe LLP, a public accounting, consulting, and technology firm, in July 2021. She has been with the firm for over 17 years.

’04

NOELLE FAHEY, M.S.Ed. ’10, was promoted to principal of Prairie Point Elementary School in Oswego, Illinois, in May 2022.

’05

CORY BURKE, M.S.Ed. ’10, was named as the new Hinsdale Middle School principal in Hinsdale, Illinois.

KATHERINE A. OKESSON was hired as the new director of Suzuki strings and orchestral studies for the Sedona Charter School, in Sedona, Arizona.

AL STRONG, M.M., band instructor at the Sallie B. Howard School of Arts and Science, was nominated twice in the best children’s music album category at the Grammy’s.

’06

CHRISTINA BETZ, M.PA., was promoted to Woodstock’s public works director in May 2022. Betz will also oversee additional departments and strategies within the city, including as executive director of operations.

’07

Illinois Army National Guard soldier JERAMY MILES, M.S.Ed., was promoted to lieutenant colonel in a ceremony in February 2022 in Fort Hood, Texas.

KIMBERLY RADOSTITS of Oregon High School in Oregon Community Unit School District 220 was named the 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year by The Illinois State Board of Education in March.

’08

ALLISON ANDERSON was appointed as the new director for Will County’s Emergency Management Agency in March 2022.

ALAN CESAR has returned to the Midwest, after 11 years in Daytona Beach, Florida, to continue to pursue his love of aerospace and skill in science storytelling. He moved to Lafayette, Indiana, in May 2022, where he now works for Purdue University’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics as its senior marketing and communications specialist.

ZACH JECKLIN was promoted to serve as chief information officer at Echo Global Logistics, Inc., a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services.

STEPHANIE RAYMONDYOUNG was named a starting quarterback for the Chicago Blitz in April 2022.

’09

CHRIS WADELIN was appointed to the role of managing director of Equity Markets for ARCTRUST Properties, Inc. in March 2022.

’10

STEPHANIE GORECKI, M.B.A., was named to Crain’s Chicago Business “40 Under 40” list for her work as vice president of product development at Cresco Labs.

REBECCA PERRY received the Golden Apple Teaching Award for teaching 8thgrade science at Belvidere South Middle School in Belvidere, Illinois.

‘11

JAMES HORNE, M.S.Ed., was appointed as the new principal of Kaneland High School in Maple Park, Illinois, in March 2022.

’12

JOSHUA BARRON, Ed.D., was promoted to assistant superintendent for School District 218 in Illinois in January 2022.

KEVIN LEIGHTER, M.P.A. ’14, was hired to serve The Village of Oswego, Illinois, as its new economic development director in April 2022.

’13

ASHLEY VANSICKLE, M.S.Ed., was awarded the Golden Apple Award for teaching seventh and eighth-grade social studies at Harlem Middle School in Loves Park, Illinois.

’14

TOI HUTCHINSON, J.D., began her new role as president and CEO of the Marijuana Policy Project in February 2022.

’15

AMANDA J. BARON, J.D., was promoted to partner with the Sterling and Dixon, Illinois, law firm of Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson, P.C.

ETHAN FRANKLIN took over the boys’ basketball program at Sycamore High School in April 2022.

’17

EVAN WEGEHAUPT joined Engineering Enterprises, Inc., as a project engineer in the Municipal and Construction Group in April 2022.

’18

MINDY BRADFORD was appointed the chief school business officer for the Libertyville School District 70 in March 2022.

AILYSH COOPER won the Meritorious Service Award for Early Career Educator from the Illinois State Board of Education in March 2022.

JEREMY GRESHAM, M.B.A., joined Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC (LP) as its chief executive officer in February 2022.

NICOLAS LIRA LISLE joined the law firm of Flaherty & Hood, P.A. as an associate attorney in February 2022. He will focus his practice on representing and consulting public employers throughout Minnesota on labor and employment matters, including data practices and open meeting law issues.

’20

MICHAEL WOJTOWICZ, Ed.D., was appointed as the new superintendent for the 2022-23 school year at Lake Park High School, District 108, in Lake Park, Illinois.

’22

JEANINE MCMILLEN, Ed.D., was appointed to the role of assistant dean for business, technology and workforce education at Waubonsee Community College.

Called to Justice

“Every person counts. Disabilities are not definitional of personhood,” said Mary Milano, J.D. ’78, who serves as the executive director of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission (GAC).

While these words may seem obvious to many, too often our society comes up short in practice. In her role, Milano works tirelessly to help provide legal representation, investigate complaints of rights violations and provide state guardianship for Illinois’ population with disabilities.

“The commission has given voice to those who have previously gone unheard,” she said. “Much of what I do is what any executive director of any agency would do. I plan, oversee, evaluate and try to be nimble enough to manage change.”

Created in 1979, the Illinois GAC protects the rights and promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities. A board of eleven commissioners serve without compensation and govern the agency. Although most people know the commission for its Office of the State Guardian, which is the largest public guardianship agency of its kind in the United States, serving nearly 5,300 adult disabled wards, it also represents people in mental health and special education proceedings and works for alternative mental health treatment models.

Milano says that GAC involves community members across the state in examining and resolving cases of violation of human rights by providers of services, with a view toward both individual resolution and systemic change. The commission is also active in developing and promoting legislation in the disability rights area, most recently getting the concept of supported decision-making signed into Illinois law for the first time, providing an alternative to guardianship for many individuals.

Mary Milano works tirelessly to help provide legal representation, investigate complaints of rights violations and provide state guardianship for Illinois’ population with disabilities.

“The people we serve, largely those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, those with mental illness, and, in some cases, other incapacitating or debilitating conditions, are highly vulnerable and often invisible to the rest of society,” Milano said. “In the past, they have often been cut off and dehumanized, not infrequently by the laws that supposedly protect them. I see our mission as being one which empowers to the greatest extent possible, supports wherever needed, and advances the recognition of the gifts and purposefulness of every person as integral to our society through our work.”

Milano’s path to becoming an attorney and working in advocacy was never a straight line. Growing up, she lived on the northwest side of Chicago, in a neighborhood with Italian-American families like her own. She attended Mundelein College, which later was absorbed by Loyola University, as a theology major and ended up taking Hebrew courses at Sports College of Judaica, where she was able to spend a couple of summers in Jerusalem.

“I had a great scholarship, which allowed me to take any courses I wanted, just no pre-requisites,” she said. “Because I read fanatically, my advisors did not think I would be imbalanced by taking a load of theology and philosophy. I did Advanced Hebrew in Jerusalem and also at McCormick Theological Seminary, where I also studied New Testament Greek.”

Milano took enough classes for a minor at Columbia College and managed to finish her bachelor’s in three years, earning a Danforth Fellowship, which, at the time, was a highly competitive four-year ride to a promising future university faculty.

“I decided to go to McCormick to continue mixing ministry and theology,” she said. “In those days, McCormick was known as the seminary to go to if you wanted to do Old Testament languages and exegesis at the same time as social justice. A year in that combination, and I was hooked on adding law, thinking about how to interpret and move in both the church and the world toward the kind of just society that the prophets proclaimed.”

In the 1970s, NIU’s law school was brand-new and the only place Milano could find that supported her pursuit of a double degree—a juris doctorate and a master’s in divinity—from two different institutions at the same time. After earning her J.D., Milano’s first legal job was in the corporate and securities practice of Baker & McKenzie, where she became a specialist in foreign investment in U.S. real estate.

“This was not exactly what I had imagined in terms of becoming a social justice warrior,” she said with a laugh. “As it turned out, however, the rigor of the practice and its standards and the exposure to culture and norms in so many countries with such a diverse and demanding client base provided a foundation for thought and approach that was unbeatable.”

While there, Milano ended up becoming involved in a number of causes that revolved around displacement of communities of color, housing justice and similar issues, as well as a variety of American Bar Association activities, teaching and writing for Continued Legal Education.

Because Milano always planned on teaching, she then took a position in the graduate program in pastoral theology at Saint Mary of the Woods College, where she finished her doctorate, became a full professor and chair and started the ordination process in the Episcopal Church. She became the first Episcopal clergy person formally called to the churchwide offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. There, she served as the director for hunger education in the World Hunger program before moving to the then-administration of the State of Illinois, spending a brief amount of time at the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and overseeing federal grants.

Today, in her role, Milano fully brings her two vocations—being a lawyer and being a priest—together in ways she never imagined. Looking back at her long career and continued education, the lessons learned at NIU have remained with her.

“(NIU) is a particular kind of incubator that I think is very unique,” she said. “Its students and faculty have always been marked by commitment to their dreams and visions for themselves and for society and for the profession. Many came from and still come from less traditional backgrounds. They work harder, and I think dream bigger and, most importantly, dream together. And so NIU inspires for so many reasons. It inspires us to become more. And, in turn, to help those who follow to become more.”

Help Revitalize Greek Life at NIU

Alumni who were part of fraternity and sorority life at NIU share a common bond. While the details of their specific organizations may have been unique, there are many values common to all fraternities and sororities, such as achieving academic excel lence, developing leadership potential, and giving back to the local community. The experiences they had al lowed them to create connections that have endured long after graduation, along with lifetime friendships and pivotal professional connections.

These benefits are important for current NIU students today, as well, but help is needed to bring these opportunities to them.

NIU is currently home to 41 Greek chapters with about 700 members, which represents a 53% reduction in student participation in Greek Life over the last seven years. Reversing that trend is an important part of the University’s efforts to reach its goals for enrollment and graduation rates.

With full support of NIU leadership, the City of DeKalb, and alumni, the alumniled Greek Revitalization Presidential Task Force has been established to help bring the Greek community back to life and to create a safe, enriching environment for NIU students and the surrounding communities.

Your donation via myniu.com/greeklife will provide support as we work to revitalize fraternity and sorority life at NIU through the community’s shared values: scholarship, service, siblinghood, leadership and cultural awareness.

“A healthy, vibrant Greek community can be a vital part of university life,” NIU President Dr. Lisa Freeman said. “Strong fraternities and sororities provide academic support, leadership opportunities and community service opportunities , and they create bonds with fellow students and our University.”

Huskie Pride

(L-R) – Nicholas Stone, Nolan O’Rear, Paula Veyhle

A team of three students from the NIU College of Business bested students from around the world to earn the title of Global Champion in the 16th Annual CFA Institute Research Challenge.

The event puts teams in the role of financial analysts and evaluates their analytical, valuation, report-writing and presentation skills. This year’s competition attracted more than 6,400 students from 1,100 universities in 91 countries this year.

The NIU team was comprised of Nolan O’Rear, who graduated in May with bachelor’s degrees in both accountancy and finance; Paula Veyhle, who completed her bachelor’s in management in May 2021 and her master’s in finance in May 2022, and Nicholas Stone, who earned a bachelor’s degree in finance in December 2021, completed his master’s in finance in May and is on track to complete his master’s in data analytics in December 2022.

The trio began their run to the global finals by winning the local-level competition hosted by CFA Society Chicago in November. They continued their winning ways with three more first-place finishes, including at the America’s Regional Final in late April. In May, they won out over teams from Spain, Italy, Canada and Australia to claim the global crown.

“Few students I have met in my career can match Paula, Nick and Nolan’s talent, hard work and determination to succeed,” said Balaji Rajagopalan, dean of the NIU College of Business. “They personify the NIU Huskie spirit.”

Department of Finance Chair Gina Nicolosi coached the team. Their industry advisor was NIU College of Business alumnus Ian Long, who is now a development manager at Crowe LLP.

“This team proved they understand the complex cornerstones of developing, articulating and defending an investment thesis.” Long said. “They were thoughtful and strategic with their presentation, always staying a step ahead of the judges. This kind of success doesn’t happen overnight. It was a direct result of their focus and perseverance.”

Helping Every Student Find Success

It has been said that the future belongs to the curious, and Matt Green, M.A. ’19, is proof of this, as he shapes the next generation’s leaders at Roosevelt Community Education Center in Rockford, Illinois.

While growing up in a farmhouse in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Green was curious about so many areas that he had a difficult time choosing his future path.

“I’ve always possessed an insatiable curiosity and a desire to learn as much as I can about as many different topics as I can,” Green said. “I had an affinity for almost every course I took in school.”

This thirst for knowledge led to a variety of experiences throughout his schooling.

“In school, I was a mathlete, a band geek, a thespian, and a jock, so I dabbled in a little of everything,” he said. “I really had an amazing educational experience, incredible teachers, and I have no doubt that I am where I am today as a result of exceptional mentors and a grounded, but very well-rounded upbringing and education.”

For his teaching performance and efforts, Matt Green was rewarded with the coveted Golden Apple Award in March.

This top-notch educational experience led to his eventual decision to teach—a choice that has positively impacted the future through the next generation of students. For this work, he was awarded a Golden Apple Teaching Award in March.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and a certificate in religious studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2003, Green went on to earn his teaching license in 2004 and began his teaching career at North Boone High School in Poplar Grove, Illinois, and Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Illinois. He then earned his master’s degree in secondary English education from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, in 2010 before coming to Roosevelt later that year.

“Roosevelt is not an alternative program in terms of behavioral intervention. We really provide a series of accommodations for students who have had social and emotional issues and traumas that have affected their ability to complete their education in a traditional setting,” Green said. “We don’t get to control which students come into our classroom or the baggage that they are carrying. Our mandate is to help every student to the best of our ability, and I take that challenge head-on.”

 

Matt Green giving his acceptance speech at the Golden Apple Awards.

Matt Green celebrates his Golden Apple Award with Roosevelt staff.

When Green looks at his students, he is filled with hope for the future, especially considering the monumental obstacles some of them have had to overcome to even be in school, much less to finish.

“We have an on-site daycare so that teen moms are able to complete their high school diplomas. Many of our students work full-time jobs on top of being students, so we also have flexible scheduling to accommodate them.

Students work at an individual pace so that unforeseen absences are not a detriment to their academic progress,” he said.

Green noted that Roosevelt also has a number of emancipated students, students who are homeless or transient, and many of them are forced to be the responsible members of their households, often looking after younger siblings. All these external factors in their lives take a devastating toll on their education.

“While we can’t always alleviate many of those factors, we intervene individually and extend grace when necessary to ensure that our students earn their high school diploma,” he said. “If they are out for a day or a longer period of time, they pick the work up right where we left off.”

Green works one-on-one with a student.

Green notes that there is very little “stand-and-deliver lecturing” because every student is in a different place in their coursework. Enough time is embedded in the school day just to work on assignments without the expectation of having to take work home.

“Some students go home to chaos, and we try to provide a stable, safe and consistent atmosphere for them that is highly conducive to focusing, working and producing,” he said.

Roosevelt also helps students who were bored in a traditional classroom or were unable to get the help they needed in a classroom of 35 students.

“They run the gamut from needing intensive academic intervention to effectively working at a collegiate level,” Green said. “I have to work with all ends of the spectrum all within a given class period, so I have to be flexible.”

The school’s rosters are constantly changing. Once students complete the required coursework to earn their credits, they can move on to their next course the second they are finished. Roosevelt does not have structured semesters as a result, so students are constantly earning course credits and adjusting their schedules to new courses they need.

“It can get complicated, and it is a lot to keep track of as a classroom teacher, but it is highly effective and many students who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to maintain a highly structured schedule at their traditional school are able to thrive and graduate through our program,” Green said.

Green notes that the best part of his job is seeing what his students are able to accomplish, especially if they have been led to believe that they would not be able to complete their coursework or graduate.

“The daily successes and the growth that students demonstrate is why we do our jobs. At the end of the day, it’s about the kids, and they never cease to impress,” he said.

Matt Green’s family (L-R) Kristine Nicholson (mother), Laura Gibbs-Green (wife) and Arvid Green (father).

Green is the epitome of a lifelong learner, setting an example for his students. In 2019, he earned a master’s in British and American literature from NIU.

“My time at NIU definitely enriched the knowledge that I bring to the classroom on a daily basis. I adapted a few activities and readings from my coursework and implemented aspects of them in my high school classroom,” he said. “For instance, I took a course on writing for social media, and I use skills I gained there to show my students ways to promote themselves in a professional manner electronically, which is definitely an area of interest to them.”

Green believes it is paramount that his students see him continuing his education, because it is a core value he wishes to instill in them. He provides them information on what to look for when seeking a post-secondary education, helping to foster skills that help them succeed as undergraduates and beyond.

Green’s M.A. degree from NIU also allowed him the credentials needed to teach a dual-credit English 101 composition course through Rock Valley College, the local community college, as well.

“Having a connection to post-secondary academia in a high school environment is extremely valuable to help bridge students to their lives after high school,” he said. “My degree at NIU helped me expand my teaching repertoire and the courses that my school is able to offer our students.”

Green is also able to speak more confidently to students about his experience at NIU, as many of them in Rockford look to NIU to pursue their college education.

“I had a phenomenal experience, and I am able to convey that positive message to my students, who are subsequently more excited and interested in attending, so having been a Huskie makes me a better ambassador for the school itself and helps retain local talent,” he said.

Green ended up winning the Golden Apple award because he was nominated by a student, and he is excited about the platform it provides him to speak out on some important issues facing teachers today.

“In an era of anti-intellectual sentiment, increased vitriol at school board meetings, where the teaching profession seems like it is under attack and there is a perennial shortage of current educators and educators coming down the pike, it is important to acknowledge and recognize educators, who do yeoman’s work to prepare the next generation,” he said. “While winning a Golden Apple is certainly vindicating and humbling, there are countless teachers out there deserving of similar recognition.”

NIU Athletics Receives 2022 NCAA/MOAA Award for Diversity and Inclusion

In becoming the first institution to win the NCAA and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) Award for Diversity and Inclusion twice, NIU Athletics demonstrated that its dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goes beyond “plans” or words on a page.

In 2022, NIU earned the prestigious award through hard work by coaches, staff and student-athletes that turned a comprehensive DEI plan into action, making Huskie Athletics a recognized national leader in this important area.

“We are extremely proud to be the first two-time recipient of the NCAA/ MOAA Award for Diversity and Inclusion,” said NIU President Dr. Lisa Freeman. “Diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded in NIU’s mission, vision and core values. Huskie Athletics exemplifies our commitment to creating an inclusive university experience through their actions and their collaborations across our campus and community.”

NIU Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier and Senior Associate Athletics Director Courtney Vinson accept the 2022 NCAA/MOAA Award for Diversity and Inclusion

NIU Vice President/Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean T. Frazier sees the values of diversity, equity and inclusion put into practice by NIU teams and staff every day.

“I’m extremely proud that NIU continues to carry the torch by providing a model that can be replicated across the country,” Frazier said. “Becoming the first institution to earn the award for a second time is a validation of what we have accomplished, as well as a recognition of our outcomes and ongoing commitment in this area.”

NIU was the 2016 recipient of the same award and has since expanded its efforts while responding to an increased awareness of social justice issues among today’s student-athletes.

Many of NIU Athletics’ DEI efforts are initiated by the department’s expanded Diversity Integration Group (DIG), chaired by Senior Associate AD Courtney Vinson. DIG members include athletics staff, coaches and student-athletes, representatives from the University’s Office of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ADEI) and directors of NIU’s Diversity and Cultural Resource Centers. Their involvement has provided Huskie student-athletes and staff with access to programming and education.

Vinson said NIU’s program would not be successful without Huskie student-athletes’ dedication to creating an inclusive and accepting environment.

“The NIU student-athletes made an indelible mark through their passion for social justice by showing up, learning, listening and speaking truth to power,” she said. “By allowing them to lead from their seat, administrators had the privilege to watch them find their voice.”

Paying it Forward

Howard and Antoinette Bryant, 82, at the Inaugural Black Alumni Gala.

Growing up in the Park Manor neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, Howard Hill, ’80, didn’t have much in the way of material possessions. However, a supportive family and community, along with a powerful life-changing gift from a neighbor who was a literary legend, put him on the path to success.

A founding member of the Black Alumni Council, Hill is grateful to this day for the help he received in attending Northern Illinois University. For decades he has given back to NIU both as a mentor to and powerful advocate for Black students as a BAC member. His commitment to NIU students has remained steadfast even as he built his career as a successful accountant.

Hill didn’t have enough money to attend NIU, but legendary poet Gwendolyn Brooks was his family’s neighbor, and she provided scholarships to Hill and a group of high school students she mentored from his block so they could attend college. Hill said the gift from Brooks was an incredible blessing, but that Black students should not have to rely on acts of charity to get a college education.

“This is part of my responsibility,” he said. “So many people fought, sweat and died for me to have the opportunity to attend NIU, I must preserve and improve that opportunity for others of all stripes in the future, but especially Black students who have been disenfranchised in many ways but none more impactful than the ability to graduate from and attend college. I would not have completed my education at NIU if not for our neighbor Gwendolyn Brooks. However, Black students should not have to rely on serendipitous acts of kindness in order to complete their education. We need to make sure that Black students are afforded every support available in the community, educationally and financially to complete their education. My participation at NIU is to be a voice to assure that education becomes a reality.”

Howard (far right) and the founding Black Alumni Council Board at the inaugural Black Alumni Gala more than 30 years ago.

Hill said his father wasn’t in the picture during his childhood, but he said he was raised by his mother, along with his grandparents, six aunts and uncles and “a boatload of first cousins,” along with friends and neighbors. He attended Chicago Public Schools, including Lindblom Technical High School, a magnet school. Hill said he had a great childhood, playing sports, working after-school jobs, had fun with friends and became active in politics, community development and the Civil Rights Movement.

Howard served as NIU Homecoming King in 1980.

“I went to a very good high school but was not a great student, with jobs, responsibilities, and inner-city distractions,” he said. “My guidance counselor knew my ability and got me into the CHANCE Program.”

Hill lived with a good high school friend when they got to NIU, and he knew several of his classmates also attended NIU. He lived in Stevenson Towers South and, later, an apartment above a laundromat near Greek Row and the Red Lion Inn.

Hill was very involved while he was a student at NIU, becoming president of the Black Student Union and Black student liaison to then-University President William R. Monat. In 1980, Hill was crowned NIU Homecoming King.

“I loved the Black Choir, Black theatre workshop, and bowling and movies at the student center. I attended football and basketball games, softball and football pickup games in front of Stevenson South, parties in the dorms and the student center, and East and West Lagoon parties,” he said, recalling the good times at NIU.

Hill counted many mentors during his time at NIU, including accountancy professor Patrick R. Delaney; business law professor Harry Wright; accountancy professor David Keys; accounting professor Donald Kieso; Philip T.K. Daniel, director of the Center for Black Studies; Willard Draper, director of student housing; and McKinley “Deacon” Davis, founder of the CHANCE Program.

“These people helped shape my thinking and instilled confidence in me that was needed to help me succeed at NIU and beyond,” Hill said. “They were all integral in me getting my degree in accountancy and finance and becoming a C.P.A.”

Hill was instrumental in helping the Black Alumni Council secure its charter following his graduation from NIU. (Pictured L-R): Former NIU President John La Tourette, Hill, former NIU Alumni Association President Richard Boardman.

Following his graduation from NIU, Hill helped found the Black Alumni Council. He said it was important to develop a group of Black alumni that would be connected to NIU in every way. A small part of Hill’s immense legacy was the establishment of the Black Alumni Council Weekend that has been a staple of the Labor Day holiday for over 30 years.

“Our mission from the beginning was and is the recruitment, retention and graduation of African American students from NIU,” he said. “The mission manifests itself in many ways from scholarships to mentoring to campus participation, to faculty and staff searches to advocacy to policy changes and initiatives, to alumni engagement.”

Furthering his impact on NIU students, Hill worked with the College of Business to establish a mentoring program for Black business students.

“I met with the heads of the departments within the college and gained their support,” Hill said. “We developed a plan to work with students, alumni, faculty, staff and the college itself. We have since created a Black Alumni mentoring program of 70 alumni who mentor current students. That program has brought many Black alumni back to the College of Business to speak and work with the college on recruitment, internships and employment of students. It has also spawned Hispanic and Asian alumni mentoring programs, as well.”

Hill and the Black Alumni Council continue to work with leaders across campus to bring mentoring programs to students. Hill said he wants to continue to open opportunities for Black students to get a college education. Hill encourages alumni to continue to be involved and help benefit students, even if it takes a little effort.

“We all have a responsibility not on the level of Dr. King,” he said. “But if we all gave and participated a little, it would not require as much of those who work to create change and keep our institutions vibrant and diverse in our country—the richest most powerful in the history of the world.”

Hill said he tells students to make education their priority, and that it is life-changing.

“I just spoke to a political science class and the Black Business Student Association, and I always tell students that their first responsibility is to study hard and get the education they came to NIU to get,” he said. “If they want to be active in politics or the community that is great, but it’s second to their education because their degree is going to transform their lives. The number-one thing they can do is to read the information that is going to be covered in class before they attend the class. This will increase their grades by at least one letter. Go to class and study at least three hours a day, seven days a week. Work hard, have fun and make the world a better place.”