NIUAA President Letter

In this issue of Northern Now, we highlight the exceptional accomplishments of our faculty and alumni in sustainability, as demonstrated by our feature story on the Edible Campus program. It is programs such as this that make us proud of Northern Illinois University as a leading research institution, helping to make a better world.

To our newest graduates, welcome to the Class of 2024!

You have joined the more than 260,000 NIU alumni worldwide. Earning your diploma is just the beginning.

You are Huskies for a lifetime and can immediately reap the rewards of being alumni through new programs like CareerNorth, which can be found in the benefits section of myniu.com. CareerNorth is an online program that helps you discover and expand your business, technology and creative abilities.

You can enjoy a wide range of programs and events the NIU Alumni Association offers each year. Visit myniu.com to see the wide range of programs and events offered in DeKalb, Chicago, the suburbs and around the country.

This fall we look forward to football season. Mark your calendars for the 117th Homecoming! Events will take place throughout the week leading up to the homecoming football game on October 19. Come see us at Mission’s Grove, adjacent to the Barsema Alumni and Visitor’s Center, for alumni festivities before the game.

If you want to know more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or ways you can contribute through service or philanthropy, email us at alums@niu.edu. Whether you graduated this past May or are a Golden Huskie, the board and staff of the NIU Alumni Association are here to serve you.

We are always adding new activities, so let us know if there is an event or program you would want us to consider.

I have loved my time as the NIU Alumni Association president, but will be stepping down at the conclusion of my second term and assuming the role of Immediate Past President. It has been a pleasure and honor to serve NIU and our great Huskie family.


RICH ESCALANTE ’74, M.A.P.A. ’ 78

In Memoriam

’44

MARGUERITE F. KEY on December 21, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

’47

MARCENE ESHELMAN on June 8, 2023, Platteville, Wisconsin.

’48

ELIZABETH A. CIANCONE on December 11, 2023, Terre Haute, Indiana.

MERLE LOUISE SAWYER on May 7, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

’50

AL KRANZ on January 30, 2024, DeKalb, Illinois.

JOYCE H. OLIVERI on April 27, 2023, Loves Park, Illinois.

’52

ROBERT W. STEVENS on June 9, 2023, Wapiti, Wyoming.

’53

JANET L. ONG, M.S.Ed. ’57, on August 7, 2023, Carol Stream, Illinois.

BEATRICE ANNE HEMENDWAY PARLER on December 3, 2023, Frederick, Maryland.

BETTY A. SHOTT on February 23, 2024, Rockford, Illinois.

’55

ROBERT H. ANDERSON, M.S.Ed. ’56, on February 7, 2024, St. Augustine, Florida.

ROBERT STEVEN STAVRAKAS on April 25, 2023, Park Ridge, Illinois.

’56

LARRY ARSHONSKY on May 23, 2023, Santa Clarita, California.

’57

MARY BYERWALTER on April 27, 2023, San Mateo, California.

DALE WARNER CHRISTOPHERSON on June 18, 2023, Rochelle, Illinois.

MARY LIN MEYERS on June 1, 2023, Northfield, Illinois.

RICHARD F. MURPHY on October 14, 2023, Arden Hills, Minnesota.

DONNA L. OBRECHT, M.S.Ed. ’60, on January 1, 2024, Osceola, Wisconsin.

EVELYN F. STAHMER on January 12, 2024, Oro Valley, Arizona.

’58

JOSEPHINE I. DOBECKI on June 27, 2023, Scottsdale, Arizona.

BEVERLY J. WAITE, M.S.Ed. ’78, on January 19, 2024, DeKalb, Illinois.

’59

JOAN LIV CIENIAWSKI on February 27, 2023, Champaign, Illinois.

TED C. CRAWSHAW, M.S.Ed. ’66, on July 20, 2023, Berwyn, Illinois.

GENE E. HOLMQUIST, SR. on April 27, 2023, Grayslake, Illinois.

CAROL A. JONES on June 19, 2023, Dixon, Illinois.

RICHARD A. MIRO on January 1, 2024, Oceanside, California.

DAVID WALTER WHITE in October 2023.

’60

JOSEPH A. LAVELY on April 12, 2023, Maple Grove, Minnesota.

DELMAR E. ROTHERMEL on February 23, 2024, Freeport, Illinois.

’61

RONALD R. BERGSTEN, M.S. ’63, on November 8, 2023, Whitewater, Wisconsin.

CAROL CODMAN on January 22, 2024, Hayward, Wisconsin.

RONALD J. KELLER on January 24, 2024, Naperville, Illinois.

PHYLLIS E. SCHROEDER on January 15, 2024, Lombard, Illinois.

’62

NANCY C. CARMODY on November 18, 2023, Oswego, Illinois.

JUDITH M. EDGAR on July 22, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

ROBERT M. FAUT on May 24, 2023, Chicago, Illinois.

ROBERT P. KOEHLER on February 13, 2024, Woodstock, Illinois.

JOANNE R. MCCONNELL on January 26, 2024, Harwood Heights, Illinois.

JOHN “JACK” MICHAEL MCDERMOTT on October 7, 2023, Hinsdale, Illinois.

WILLIAM D. MERRIS, M.S.Ed., on June 13, 2023, Jacksonville, Illinois.

PHILIP K. SCHEEL, M.S.Ed. ’67, on November 14, 2024, Naperville, Illinois.

’63

NANCY A. DAVIS on May 6, 2023, Naperville, Illinois.

DENISE S. GLAVAN on June 14, 2023, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

KENNETH L. REINHARDT, M.S. ’69, on March 15, 2023, Lafayette, Indiana.

JUDITH A. TAMINGER on July 18, 2023, Marion, Virginia.

KARLA M. VON LEHE on July 20, 2023, Fountain Hills, Arizona.

’64

BERNADINE PHELAN on July 16, 2023, Homer Glen, Illinois.

ROBERT A. STARTZ, M.S.Ed. ’68, on July 1, 2023, Lockport, Illinois.

’65

JOSEPH DONOFRIO on September 28, 2023, Scottsdale, Arizona.

COLLEEN SUE LINDBERG on June 11, 2023, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

JOAN RUTH OPHAUG on August 9, 2023, Westminster, Colorado.

NICHOLAS W. WINTER on October 25, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

’66

RICHARD LEE DIEDERICH on May 4, 2023, Schaumburg, Illinois.

STEPHEN R. FRANK on September 29, 2023, Fisher, Illinois.

JAMES L. KEENEY, M.S.Ed., on December 21, 2023, Palos Heights, Illinois.

GARY D. KOERNER on June 6, 2023, Genoa, Illinois.

ROGER W. THOMPSON on July 23, 2023, Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

’67

CYNTHIA J. CONNOR on January 2, 2024, Morris, Illinois.

JON J. DUERR on February 13, 2024, St. Charles, Illinois.

GEORGIA ANN BOYER-LICHTHARDT on December 27, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

THOMAS J. POTENZA on May 25, 2023, Port Royal, South Carolina.

KATHLEEN J. SARANECKI on July 16, 2023, Morton Grove, Illinois.

ERROL SHER on July 12, 2023, New Bern, North Carolina.

’68

GERALD BYARS on February 27, 2024, Naples, Florida.

JERRY M. COWSERT on June 25, 2023, Elgin, Illinois.

WILLIAM F. KECK, M.B.A., on December 12, 2023, Downers Grove, Illinois.

JAMES R. KEENEY on December 21, 2023, Palos Heights, Illinois.

MARTHA S. MCELYA, M.P.A. ’87, on October 16, 2023, Indianapolis, Indiana.

WILLIAM PETERS, M.S.Ed. ’72, on May 20, 2023, Middleton, Wisconsin.

STEPHAN HOYT PUTNAM, M.A., on November 14, 2023, Portland, Maine.

EPHRAIM C. REYES, M.B.A., on December 11, 2023, Chicago, Illinois.

MARY FALAT SCHULMAN on April 19, 2023, Countryside, Illinois.

BETTY LOU VIETH, M.S.Ed ’70, on March 26, 2023, Havana, Florida.

’69

LORENE “SIS” RUTH BENZEL, M.S.Ed., on May 29, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

THOMAS P. BLACKWELL, M.S.Ed. ’77, on November 30, 2023, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

FRED M. DITTMANN, M.S. ’69, on February 25, 2024, Lake Zurich, Illinois.

WAYNE E. DYE on May 26, 2023, McHenry, Illinois.

OTHMAR GOETTEL on February 14, 2023, St. Charles, Illinois.

PAUL JAY HUDGENS, M.S.Ed., on October 13, 2023, Elgin, Illinois.

JANE E. JAMES on December 12, 2023, Aurora, Colorado.

RICHARD J. JANIAK on June 19, 2023, Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

HOWARD ALAN LANE on June 4, 2023, Rockville, Maryland.

NOEL NEWGORD on May 18, 2023, Racine, Wisconsin.

ANDREW J. PAUL on January 30, 2024, Marietta, Georgia.

CHARLOTTE “COOKIE” STRAUSS on June 14, 2023, Annandale, Virginia.

ARTHUR R. STROBECK, JR., M.A., on May 6, 2023, Tinley Park, Illinois.

’70

HELEN J. MACGREGOR BAKER on February 6, 2024, East Moline, Illinois.

ELENA I. BATURA on February 11, 2024, Oak Forest, Illinois.

KENNETH N. “KEN” HOLLAND, M.S. ’72, on January 3, 2024, Naperville, Illinois.

JEANIE LINDERS on May 26, 2023, Hendersonville, North Carolina.

GARY L. LONGMAN on December 28, 2023, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

BARBARA JEREE MATYUS on July 19, 2023, Libertyville, Illinois.

RAYMOND H. NORLIN on September 13, 2023, Sleepy Hollow, Illinois.

MICHAEL L. OATLEY, M.S.Ed., on February 14, 2024, Cadillac, Michigan.

CARROL J. PASCUS on June 13, 2023, Monroe, Wisconsin.

MARJORIE A. POWERS on March 26, 2023, Mount Morris, Illinois.

ANNE SCHNEIDER, M.A. ’72, Ph.D. ’74, on October 13, 2023, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

JEAN TYNER SIMPSON on June 9, 2023, La Porte, Indiana.

DEAN SLAVENS on May 16, 2023, Columbia City, Indiana.

ANITA Y. WALKER on June 17, 2023, Hilton Head, South Carolina.

’71

LAWRENCE T. BURNETTE on April 17, 2023, Arlington Heights, Illinois.

DONNA M. HALL on Monday, October 2, 2023, Moline, Illinois.

PAUL W. JOHNSON, M.S.Ed., on July 11, 2023, Kankakee, Illinois.

JOAN M. LAMBKA, M.B.A., on November 19, 2023, La Grange, Illinois.

INGER I. LANGSHOLT on April 16, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

WILLIAM J. MASS, M.S., on February 13, 2024, North Liberty, Iowa.

DORA M. MEREDITH, M.A., on December 31, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

ELIZABETH K. RICKERT, M.S.Ed. ’96, on April 21, 2023, Tucson, Arizona.

MARY STROM-LARSON, M.A., Ed.D. ’85, on May 4, 2023, Sycamore, Illinois.

MARY S. WELK on October 30, 2022, Muscatine, Iowa.

DAVID L. WILSON, M.S. ’73, on June 5, 2023, Peoria, Illinois.

’72

JOHN BATI, M.S.Ed. ’76, on February 11, 2024, Grand Haven, Michigan.

SHELLY Y. COUNTRYMAN, M.S.Ed., on February 14, 2024, St. Charles, Illinois.

GARY M. GREGUS on November 20, 2023, Shakopee, Minnesota.

MARCIA L. HAMMOND, M.S.Ed., on October 28, 2023, Kildeer, Illinois.

THOMAS J. HORAZAK, M.M. ’74, on May 23, 2023, Cortland, Illinois.

BARBARA E. JOHNSON, M.S.Ed. ’72, Ed.D. ’80, Park City, Utah.

SALLY J. KRETCHMER, M.S.Ed., on November 2, 2023, Harvard, Illinois.

DAVID L. MARX, M.F.A., on March 29, 2023, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

MIKE MCGILL on February 13, 2024, Peoria, Illinois.

MARY C. “MOLLY” PHALEN, M.S.Ed. ’84, on September 26, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

DAVID J. STUART on October 12, 2023, Spring Hill, Tennessee.

CYNTHIA WYCHOCKI on February 17, 2024, Naples, Florida.

’73

PAUL E. CHOJNICKI on February 20, 2024, Effingham, Illinois.

LARRY J. GOODIN, M.B.A. on May 2, 2023, North Aurora, Illinois.

DANIEL L. GOODWIN, M.S.Ed., on January 19, 2024, Oakbrook, Illinois.

FAYE SANDERS HUGHES, M.S.Ed. ’81, on October 12, 2023, Freeport, Illinois.

CYNTHIA A. “CINDY” MORGAN on December 30, 2023, Palm Beach, Florida.

DENISE A. NEAL-WEBB on July 2, 2023, Joliet, Illinois.

GARY SMYTHE on February 10, 2024, Arlington Heights, Illinois.

PATRICIA WOLBER on June 9, 2023, Clinton, Iowa.

ROBERT L. YATES on June 5, 2023, Elgin, Illinois.

’74

NANCY S. ALLEN on July 23, 2023, Joliet, Illinois.

GUY W. BAGGER on April 15, 2023, Naperville, Illinois.

DONNA CONFER on July 1, 2023, Sarasota, Florida.

MARK HARTZELL on November 7, 2023, Dixon, Illinois.

STEVEN HULBERT on April 16, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

RAYMOND P. KATCHMAR on February 6, 2024, Algonquin, Illinois.

FREDERICK J. KRUBEL on January 22, 2024, Brookfield, Illinois.

LINDA C. LORBACH, M.S.Ed. ’92, February 10, 2024, DeKalb, Illinois.

ARLENE NEHER, M.A., Ph.D. ’80, DeKalb, Illinois.

DANIEL SIPIORA on May 28, 2023, Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

’75

JAMES O. BACON on April 25, 2023, Elgin, Illinois.

TERRENCE J. BRENNAN on February 11, 2024, Hilton Head, South Carolina.

CARL M. BOWERS on December 26, 2023, Jones, Michigan.

RUSSELL L. HUBBARD on April 28, 2023, Leaf River, Illinois.

MARJORIE PRICE on February 10, 2024, Rockford, Illinois.

’76

EILEEN GORMALY, M.S. ’79, on May 11, 2023, Chicago, Illinois.

HARVEY G. GREEN on May 17, 2023, Geneseo, Illinois.

KATHRYN KOLONAY on September 28, 2023, Marlinton, West Virginia.

RAMONA M. LANIER on July 9, 2023, Sycamore, Illinois.

LONNIE R. RITCHASON on October 3, 2023, West Dundee, Illinois.

MICHAEL J. STOJAN on May 18, 2023, Leesburg, Florida.

’77

PAMELA D. CURRY on July 20, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

SANDRA KAY EAKES, M.S.Ed., on January 25, 2024, Grand Island, Nebraska.

LOUISE A. GIBBONS on January 13, 2024, Sterling, Illinois.

GREGORY F. HARTMANN, M.B.A. ’79, on October 9, 2023, Freeport, Illinois.

MARK KELLAR on November 23, 2023, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

KENNETH R. KEPP on June 13, 2023, Scottsdale, Arizona.

BRENDA A. MCKINNEY on January 17, 2024, Galena, Illinois.

GLENDA A. OLIVER on July 14, 2023, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

DELORES R. ROACH on June 8, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

MICHAEL A. STEPHENS on February 19, 2024, Elgin, Illinois.

JOHN R. THORSEN on February 21, 2024, Crown Point, Indiana.

RONALD TINDALE on April 19, 2023, Janesville, Wisconsin.

MARY HELENA HERBERT TURNER, M.S., on May 31, Richardson, Texas.

’78

JOANN ALLEN, M.S.Ed., on July 15, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

THOMAS E. HASSLER on December 10, 2023, Naperville, Illinois.

DAVID R. HAWKINSON, M.S.Ed., on April 20, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

BARBARINE HOUDEK, M.A., on October 10, 2023, Joliet, Illinois.

ROBERT M. CARDINELL on October 13, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

JOHN R. MCCORMICK, M.B.A. ’88, on May 19, 2023, Chandler, Arizona.

DOROTHY ROSSING, M.S., on October 2, 2023, in Edina, Minnesota.

’79

RICHARD O. BERGESON JR. on June 17, 2023, Sycamore, Illinois.

ANN R. LUND, Ed.D. ’91, on December 7, 2023, Naples, Florida.

VIRGINIA M. MCMILLION on June 23, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

JAVIER N. SANCHEZ, M.S.Ed., on November 5, 2023, St. Charles, Illinois.

’80

KEVIN E. ANDREWS, M.A., on October 3, 2023, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

RONALD W. JACKSON on June 30, 2023, Arlington, Texas.

LARK A. SYRRIS, M.A. ’86, on February 10, 2024, McHenry, Illinois.

’81

RONALD CHIODRAS on February 1, 2024, Wheaton, Illinois.

SCOTT PAUL HADLEY on April 15, 2023, Homer Glen, Illinois.

MOLLIE K. LANDFEAR on February 7, 2024, Westchester, Illinois.

PAUL A. MAZAN, M.B.A, on July 5, 2023, Schaumburg, Illinois.

JEANNETTE K. PAGE, M.A., on January 12, 2024, Oswego, Illinois.

SHEILA KURTH SVOBODA on September 28, 2023, Akron, Ohio.

’82

RICHARD ALLEN DUNN on February 14, 2024, Perry, Michigan.

SUSAN D. KOOPMAN on July 7, 2023, in New Lenox, Illinois.

DANIEL C. THORSE, M.S., on July 12, 2023, Naperville, Illinois.

’84

JOHN M. AVAMPATO on February 18, 2024, Freeport, Illinois.

DAVID L. DUVALL on January 4, 2024, Cincinnati, Ohio.

WILLIAM MORRIS on April 28, 2023, Roswell, New Mexico.

THOMAS J. RIGDEN on February 14, 2024, Ironwood, Michigan.

’85

KRISTEN MARIE THOMAS on May 8, 2023, Oswego, Illinois.

GEORGE CASFORD on May 25, 2023, Granville, Illinois.

DEAN H. MADDY on December 9, 2023, in Silvis, Illinois.

MICHAEL P. SCHUSTER on January 13, 2024, Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

’86

JAMES E. JOHNSON, M.B.A. ’05, on February 13, 2024, Arlington Heights, Illinois.

WILLIAM T. LIDINSKY on February 13, 2024, Sandwich, Illinois.

RONALD J. LIECHTI on July 6, 2023, Goleta, California.

PHILLIP “TY” WAGNER on February 11, 2024, Kenosha, Wisconsin.

’87

MICHAEL E. COPPEDGE, J.D., on November 13, 2023, Woodstock, Illinois.

JOAN E. SAICHEK on February 15, 2024, Rockford, Illinois.

’88

JULIA LAMB, M.S.Ed., on June 15, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

KIM R. NELSON on June 19, 2023, Bloomington, Illinois.

’89

CHRISTINA K. EGIDI on October 16, 2023, Libertyville, Illinois.

PATRICIA SUCHNER on June 1, 2023, Oakdale, Minnesota.

’90

MARLENE F. FORD, M.A., on February 17, 2024, Polo, Illinois.

CHARLES STEPHEN KEELEN, M.B.A., on June 23, 2023, Belvidere, Illinois.

JACI S. RATHBURN on June 18, 2023, Peru, Illinois.

’91

MATTHEW D. ALBERSTETT on October 3, 2023, Madison, Wisconsin.

DAVID F. LUEBKE on June 22, 2023, Beloit, Wisconsin.

KIM VOYLES NOHL, M.S.Ed. ’93, on May 8, 2023, Elgin, Illinois.

PHILLIP A. PALCZYNSKI on June 4, 2023, Downers Grove, Illinois.

’92

CATHLEEN C. RESTAINO, M.A., on February 23, 2024, Geneva, Illinois.

VIRGINIA M. WOLAK on February 13, 2024, South Elgin, Illinois.

’94

LAURA FALK on December 16, 2023, Naperville, Illinois.

SCOTT R. REEVES on February 13, 2024, Huntley, Illinois.

’95

KIRK C. SCOTT, M.B.A., on July 11, 2023, Naperville, Illinois.

’00

NICHOLAS G. REYES on December 8, 2023, Oswego, Illinois.

’02

RONALD H. CAMPBELL on October 9, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

’03

MARK E. HELLER on May 14, 2023, Des Plaines, Illinois.

’06

TYRONE L. HANNEBAUM, M.B.A., on December 28, 2023, Byron, Illinois.

SEAN A. STRINGER on April 14, 2023, Kirkland, Washington.

’07

MICHELLE “SHELLY” ROWLAND on January 23, 2024, DeKalb, Illinois.

’08

HENRY BRYANT JR., M.A., on January 31, 2024, St. Charles, Illinois.

EMILY E. SLONECK on September 29, 2023, Ottawa, Illinois.

’14

MATHEW S. SIMS on October 20, 2023, Hannibal, Missouri.

’15

AMANDA ZENTMYER OLSON on July 20, 2023, Oswego, Illinois.

Faculty, Staff & Friends

Jerome Gerald Alpiner on October 31, 2022, Denver, Colorado.

Mary Bell on June 1, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

Lupe Bustos on May 23, 2023, Joliet, Illinois.

Ronald Carter on February 24, 2024, Burlington, North Carolina.

Franklin E. Court on June 24, 2023, Fitchburg, Wisconsin.

Bruce David Culver on July 18, 2023, Bloomington, Illinois.

Mark A. Duncan on May 1, 2023, St. Charles, Illinois.

Georgene Ruth Vose Edwards on December 6, 2023, Durham, North Carolina.

Alan “Ole” Eggleson on October 26, 2023, Stoughton, Wisconsin.

Joseph Essex on November 19, 2023, Waterman, Illinois.

Donna J. Feld on June 28, 2023, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Dennis L. Fink on October 1, 2023, Plainfield, Illinois.

Susan Fischer on October 1, 2023, Naperville, Illinois.

William D. Fuller on September 26, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

Leona Ann Grage on April 20, 2023, Wood Dale, Illinois.

Joseph Edward Grush on April 11, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

Rita E. Hammett on April 21, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

John D. Harmann on December 23, 2023, Wabasha, Minnesota.

Michael W. Harris on November 11, 2023, Rockford, Illinois.

Nancy Rae Hawes on May 2, 2023, McKinney, Texas.

John J. Huss on July 8, 2023, North Bend, Nebraska.

Ronald Wayne Johnson on December 11, 2023, Sycamore, Illinois.

Lynn Marie Jurges on December 17, 2023, Escondido, California.

Perry W. Larsen on February 18, 2024, DeKalb, Illinois.

Elwin LeFevre on July 20, 2023, Sterling, Illinois.

Christopher D. Lozier on February 9, 2024, Huntley, Illinois.

Nicholas A. Michas on April 20, 2023, Wauconda, Illinois.

Thomas R. Michels on January 6, 2023, Aurora, Illinois.

James Ivan Miller, Jr. on July 6, 2023, Muskego, Wisconsin.

James Kirk Nerison on April 16, 2023, Chicago, Illinois.

Eleanor A. Peterson on April 22, 2023, St. Charles, Illinois.

Morley Egerton Russell on November 9, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

Viki Scheel on December 25, 2023, Fitchburg, Wisconsin.

Katelyn N. Schultz on January 15, 2024, DeKalb, Illinois.

Gregory Sevdagian on May 30, 2023, Schaumburg, Illinois.

Paul M. Shipman on April 10, 2023, Puryear, Tennessee.

Algis J. Skoudas on October 23, 2023, Savannah, Georgia.

Harvey J. Slade on December 4, 2023, DeKalb, Illinois.

Linda Strand on February 24, 2024, Boscawen, New Hampshire.

James A. Swyndro on February 4, 2023, Manhattan, Illinois.

Betty L. Tsao, on September 26, 2023, Ripon, Wisconsin.

Earnest Lee Vaughns II on January 9, 2024, Moline, Illinois.

David John Wickstrom on April 21, 2023, Cortland, Illinois.

We honor and remember all our beloved alumni, family and friends who have passed away.
For a more exhaustive list, visit legacy.com to browse by college and search for Northern Illinois University.
Please visit www.myniu.com/classnotes to notify us of the death of a fellow Huskie.

Class Notes

’60

DONALD WEGRZYN, M.S.Ed. ’67, was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in November 2023.

DR. JAMES A. WOLTER, Ed.D. ’80, released his memoir “Finding Miss Fong” in November 2023.

’68

PATRICK O’CONNOR, M.S. ’98, welcomed the birth of his great-grandson, Fabian Camilo Martinez, in May 2023.

’69

PAUL LUBENCOV’S book, “Tap Dancing on the Razor’s Edge,” was included in the collection of the Illinois State Library in October 2023.

’70

DR. JOHN A. AKINYEMI’S book, “Coming 2 America,” was published in July 2023.

’71

MICHAEL BLACK’S book, “Devil’s Lair,” was published in September 2023.

’72

FRED GELMAN’S book, “Grandma’s Miracles,” was published in November 2023.

’73

G. DOUGLAS STEPHENS was certified as a life member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum in September 2023.

’74

HON. LOUIS APOSTOL, M.B.A., J.D. ’78, was elevated to the rank of Archon in the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in October 2023.

MARY “KATH” CONVER was elected president of the Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation Board of Directors in June 2023 at the AOΠ International Convention.

’76

DR. JAMES J. VARNEY was appointed to the Aurora Historical Society board of trustees in July 2023.

’78

JOHN DERGENTIS was named vice president and general manager at Esmark Steel Group in October 2023.

GLORIA GOSS-HARRIS retired as sign interpreter for the South Holland Master Chorale, after nearly 20 years of service, in May 2023.

RANDALL OLLIS retired from WISH-TV after nearly 40 years of employment in August 2023.

HON. BONNIE M. WHEATON, J.D., was selected as chief judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit of the Illinois Courts in September 2023.

’81

JERRY HUELAT, J.D., was named Defense Lawyer of the Year by the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana in November 2023.

NANCY BESONEN’S book “Off the Hook” was published in October 2023.

’82

CHERYL JOHNSON, M.B.A. ’84, joined the board of directors of Flowserve Corporation in September 2023.

JEFFREY MENGLER, M.S. ’85, was appointed to the Natural Resource Commission for the City of St. Charles, Illinois, in September 2023.

DAVID SCHREIBER was appointed to the board of directors of Agendia, Inc. in June 2023.

’83

ANDREW TINBERG was named president and chief executive officer of CNB Bank & Trust in July 2023.

TOM ANNINO’S book “Shadow Over the Heartland” was published in September 2023.

’85

RANDY CRABTREE was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Accounting by Accounting Today in December 2023.

LAURENCE HINZ was named chief financial officer of Bounteous in September 2023.

LAURA HUGHES was named chief marketing and deposit officer for First Mid Bank and Trust in May 2023.

BRIAN SIMPSON released his new album, “Soul Collection,” in June 2023.

’86

BRETT BROWN was named executive vice president and chief financial officer for Tejon Ranch Co. in May 2023.

KATHY SEEGEBRECHT was appointed to the board of directors of Riverbend Industries in July 2023.

DEBRA SHEPACK was named director of real estate for the Port of Tacoma in July 2023.

’87

RANDALL KOBAT was appointed as president of Repair OnDemand in June 2023.

BOYD LAWRENCE, M.P.A. ’04, was named planning manager of Purcellville, Virginia, in June 2023.

DAINTRY MCFADDEN opened franchise Wetzel’s Pretzels inside Macy’s at Oakbrook Center, Oakbrook, Illinois, in December 2023.

PEGGY NORTON-ROSKO was named Chief Nurse Executive for the University of Maryland Medical System in May 2024.

’88

BRENT BRODESKI, M.B.A. ’91, was named a 2024 Chicago Titan by the Titan CEO in November 2023.

DANTE LEON, M.B.A., was named vice president of instruction at Walla Walla Community College, Washington, in August 2023.

JORDAN LOTSOFF was named vice president of fundamental underwriters for the AF Group in May 2023.

MARK OKLAND was named strategic account manager for Mule-Hide Products in August 2023.

’89

DANIEL KLEFSTAD retired from a career of more than 25 years in public radio in April 2023.

JEFFREY MIDKIFF, M.M., performed his concerto, “From the Blue Ridge,” with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in August 2023.

JIM PISANI was named chief executive officer at Life Fitness in July 2023.

BRUCE TUFTIE was named chief strategy officer of Hoverfly Technologies, Inc. in February 2024.

’90

BRAD (CAMIS) CAGE released his record “You Better Run” in November 2023.

JAMES CHRISTENSEN was appointed to the board of directors of Boundless Bio in October 2023.

KIM MCMASTER was named Quad City Engineering & Science Council’s STEM Teacher of the Year in April 2023.

CHRISTOPHER WOOLEYHAND, M.S.Ed. ’90, was hired as the Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals in July 2023.

’91

PAMELA HIGDON, M.B.A. ’95, was appointed chief financial officer of Venterra Realty in August 2023.

DAVID VIOLA was elected as chair of the World Plumbing Council (WPC) in October 2023.

’92

CASSANDRA BUSSE started a new opportunity as Supply Chain Director with nVenia, a Duravant Company, in August 2023.

SUSAN CATER, M.B.A., was elected to the board of directors of Stanley Black & Decker in October 2023.

DR. CARL BRIDGES, Ed.D., was named provost at Danville Area Community College, Illinois, in August 2023.

ERIK JACOBS, J.D., was appointed judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of the Illinois Courts in August 2023.

JOSEPH MAI was named chair of Clemson University’s Department of Languages in June 2023.

VINNI UZZARDO was appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers’ Advisory Council in May 2023.

’93

HON. JEFFREY J. ALTMAN was appointed as an associate judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit of the Illinois Courts in September 2023.

ROBERT “BOB” BECKWITH was named director of finance and business services for Bettendorf Community School District, Iowa, in March 2023.

HON. JAMES HEUERMAN, J.D., was appointed as a circuit judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit of the Illinois Courts in January 2024.

CHRISTOPHER WAUGH, M.S.Ed. ’96, was promoted to vice president of student engagement at St. Ambrose University in August 2023.

’94

MATT LAU was named senior vice president of client accounting and financial services for MedHQ in December 2023.

JESSICA LOMBARD, M.S.Ed. ’99, was named superintendent of Huntley School District 158, Illinois, in February 2024.

KELLY ROGAN was named chief operating officer of Ellucian in January 2024.

THOMAS M. TUKESBREY’S book “Of Embers’ Ashes” was published in August 2023.

MARY WIRTH received the Eastern Analytical Symposium Award for Outstanding Achievements in Separation Science in November 2023.

’95

BRIAN MAASS was appointed to the board of directors of Horizon Bank in May 2023.

ROBERT NOWAK was appointed as national practice leader for tax services at Weaver in July 2023.

HOPE STOVALL-HENDERSON was named director of career pathways and workforce development for Homewood-Flossmoor High School, District 233, Illinois in June 2023.

KIMBERLY VAN SICKLE, M.S.Ed., published her book “Assassins are Us” in September 2023.

’97

KIRAN ACHEN was named chief information and digital officer of Delta Dental of South Carolina in July 2023.

THOMAS COLLINS was elected as trustee for the Grundy/Kendall County Regional School Board in May 2023.

LEEANN JOHNSON received Illinois Valley Community College’s 2023 Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence in April 2023.

AMANDA KUNZER was appointed to the Naperville Illinois Education Foundation in July 2023.

CHRISTOPHER SHIPLEY was named senior vice president and co-chief investment officer of Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc., in January 2024.

’98

MATTHEW DAVIS, M.A., was named police chief of Council Bluffs, Iowa, in October 2023.

LUIS DELAROSA was named senior vice president, corporate controller at Clune in May 2023.

STEPHANIE GAGE was named principal of Betsy Ross School in Prospect Heights, Illinois, in April 2023.

’99

MICHAEL JANDES was named director of IT systems at HeartcoR Solutions in March 2023.

JAMES MUNCH, M.B.A. ’02, was named chief financial officer of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee in December 2023.

KEVIN RUSSELL was named the 2024 Superintendent of Distinction in the DuPage Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) in February 2024.

KISHORI TANK, J.D., was appointed as an associate judge of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, Illinois, in November 2023.

’00

JESSE BARNES was named police chief for the Village of Skokie, Illinois, in December 2023.

JESSE TOPRAK was named industry director for AutoMobility Advisors in June 2023.

’01

KYLE ASCHE opened Hidden Gem Guitars in Flossmoor, Illinois, in April 2023.

KURT JOHANSEN, M.S.Ed. ’03, was named superintendent of West Chicago High School District 94, Illinois, in January 2024.

CHARLES KYLE was named superintendent of Burr Ridge School District 180, Illinois, in June 2023.

ABBEY ZINK was named as provost and vice president for academic affairs at St. Cloud State University in April 2023.

’02

ROSS ALEXANDER, Ph.D., was named President of Texas A&M University-Texarkana in July 2023.

’03

MATTHEW HOLDREN was named head of RBTV for Riverside-Brookfield High School District 208, Illinois, in July 2023.

TODD KRYSIAK was named executive editor of the River Valley Media Group in March 2023.

DAWN BALDWIN was promoted to On-Site Team Lead/Child and Adolescent Therapist at the Kenneth Young Center.

’04

LISA CUSTARDO was named vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer of Transylvania University in May 2023.

MICHELLE BARKLEY, M.S. ’09, was named vice president for academic and student affairs for John Wood Community College, Illinois, in December 2023.

MATTHEW FRIEDLEIN was named science and operations officer at the National Weather Service Quad Cities office in April 2023.

MERA JOHNSON was hired as assistant village manager and human resources director for the Village of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, in July 2023.

KATIE JONES was sworn in as Glenview, Illinois, village trustee in May 2023.

KELLY PERSON was named principal of Hope D. Wall School in Aurora, Illinois, in May 2023.

DAN TEEFEY, J.D., was named president of the Tracy Family Foundation in February 2024.

’05

MELISSA BLAKE’S book “Beautiful People: My Thirteen Truths About Disability” was published in March 2024.

SHOLONDO CAMPBELL was named dean of students at Lynn University in May 2023.

BRIAN COON, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Cardiovascular Biology Research Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in July 2023.

STEVEN PYTER was named director of bands for Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois, in May 2023.

KATY SCHAAN was named executive administrator of the National Auto Body Council in April 2023.

AMY L. SHERWOOD was named chief membership officer for the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology in July 2023.

HON. SHENONDA TISDALE, J.D., was appointed as an associate judge of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Illinois, in November 2023.

TIFFANY WILLIAMS was named special services coordinator for Downers Grove Grade School District 58, Illinois, in July 2023.

CHRISTOPHER WOOD was appointed as the 2023 Dome House Al and Mickey Quinlan Artist-in- Residence for the Miller Art Museum in July 2023.

’06

JUSTIN K. DICKERT was named president of Assemblies United in September 2023.

RYAN GOYAL was named partner at Novogradac in March 2023.

NANCY ENGELMANN was named chief human resources officer at the Teachers Credit Union in April 2023.

BALJINDER SINGH was named chief financial officer of RealTruck, Inc. in September 2023.

’07

RAMONA DECRISTOFARO, M.S.Ed. ’08, was named assistant superintendent of student services for Lake Zurich Community Consolidated School District 62, Illinois, effective July 1, 2024.

BLAKE KLINKNER, M.A. ’07, an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of North Dakota School of Law, was honored in May 2023 with the 2022/2023 Professor of the Year Award by the graduating class at Washburn University School of Law.

MATT MCGHGHY was named girls basketball head coach at Keokuk High School, Iowa, in April 2023.

DARIN ROARK was named president and CEO of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in June 2023.

DENVER SCHMITT, M.P.A. ’09, was named public works director for the City of Moline, Illinois, in January 2024.

CHRIS TOMASELLI was named partner at Bennett Thrasher in March 2023.

BRANDON WRIGHT, M.P.A., was named town manager of Trophy Club, Texas, in October 2023.

’08

BRANDON BERNABEI was named sergeant at Libertyville Illinois Police Department in April 2023.

JESSICA MCINTYRE was named superintendent of Buffalo Grove School District 102, Illinois, in March 2023.

CHRISTOPHER THUOT, M.A., Ph.D. ’12, was named vice president of academic affairs for Springfield Technical Community College in August 2023.

MICHAEL TRESNAK was named superintendent of DeLand-Weldon Community Unit School District 57, Illinois, in March 2023.

MATTHEW ZEDIKER, M.S.Ed., Ed.S. ’22, was named superintendent of Yorkville Community School District 115, Illinois, in February 2024.

’09

SHERRY JURSA, M.B.A., was named Chicago Business Journal Women of Influence honoree in November 2023.

HON. COLLEEN LAWLESS was appointed as a federal judge for the Central District of Illinois in March 2023.

BENJAMIN MEINERT was named principal of Woodland Elementary School, Joliet, Illinois, in June 2023.

’10

LAURA EDWARDS was named career and technical education curriculum coordinator for the West Aurora School District, Illinois, in April 2023.

JOHN GIBSON retired as chief school business official for Homewood School District 153, Illinois, in June 2023.

JESSICA HERRMANN, M.S.Ed., Ed.D. ’18, was the Impact Award recipient from the Illinois School Counselor Association (ISCA) in December 2023.

CARRIE MURPHY was named director of sales at the Hiltons of Chicago Sales and Marketing Complex in June 2023.

CHRISTOPHER NAVRATIL, M.A.S. ’11, was named CFO of Equity Bancshares Inc. in August 2023.

PHIL REED was named co-anchor for the KHBSKHOG weekday morning newscast in Arkansas in April 2023.

CHARLES THOMPSON, M.B.A., was named CEO of the WCLA Credit Union in February 2024.

TIMOTHY P. WYLLER was named principal of Mill Creek Elementary School, Geneva, Illinois, in June 2023.

’11

KRISTOPHER KLOEPPING, M.S. ’16, received the Outstanding Young Professional Award in Athletics by the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association in October 2023.

BRIGITTE MORIN, M.S., received the Diversity Award from Michigan Technological University in November 2023.

ALEXANDER PORTER was named Emerging Leader of the Year by the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) Chicago/Midwest Chapter in November 2023.

’12

RYAN BERRY, M.S.Ed., was named assistant superintendent for business services for River Trails School District 26, Illinois, in January 2024.

EMMA DONATILLE, M.S.Ed., was named director of development for Waubonsee Community College, Illinois, in January 2024.

ROBERT “ROB” KOSIC was appointed as Douglas County, Illinois, state’s attorney in May 2023.

JOSEPH PAWLAK, M.S.Ed. ’14, was named offensive line coach for the University of Montana’s football team in February 2024.

MICHAEL REGNIER was appointed as Livingston County, Illinois, state’s attorney in July 2023.

ALLISON (BENTHUSEN) REMMES received the State of Illinois 2023 Law Officer of the Year award from the veteran organization Forty and Eight (40 & 8) in July 2023.

BRANDON TOLLIVER was appointed as alderman on the Aurora City Council, Illinois, in September 2023.

’14

TIM KEELEY was named associate superintendent for business services at Township High School District 214, Illinois, in May 2023.

ALYSSA SMITH was named athletic director for Parkview Christian Academy, Yorkville, Illinois, in May 2023.

’15

TREVOR BOSACK, M.P.A., was named assistant village administrator for Lake in the Hills, Illinois, in September 2023.

’17

MATT CLARK was named principal of Thompson Middle School, St. Charles, Illinois, in May 2023.

JACOB HICKS was named product manager at Caleffi in March 2023.

JAMAAL HINES, M.S.Ed., was recognized as one of the 2024 top young professionals under the age of 30 by the National Recreation and Park Association in January 2024.

KATHRYN NAGEL published her book with Kurt Wehrmeister, “Cumie, the Brave Little Cloud,” in July 2023.

BRITTANY ROGALLA, J.D. ’20, was named associate attorney at McSwain Nagle Giese & Rapp, P.C. in February 2024.

’18

KATHRYN “KATIE” GOLBACH, M.P.A., was named human resources director of the Village of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, in February 2024.

’19

JEAN BUECHE, M.P.A., was named assistant village administrator for the Village of Oswego, Illinois, in November 2023.

DONALD CUMMINGS, M.P.A, was named police chief for the Village of Carol Stream, Illinois, in November 2023.

ALIJAH JEFFERY was named the first women’s wrestling coach at Fort Hays State in March 2023.

MATTHEW KARSTENS, J.D., M.B.A. ’20, was named associate attorney at McSwain Nagle Giese & Rapp P.C. in September 2023.

JORGE NIETO was named associate vice president for assessment and student success at the College of DuPage in March 2023.

TATIANNA SALISBURY’S book, “words my heart needed to hear,” was published in June 2023.

’21

KIERRA FRAZIER was promoted to breaking news reporter at Politico in March 2023.

CLAUDIA OLECH achieved the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation by the American Meteorological Society in January 2024.

’22

DR. KENDRA R. ANDREWS joined the clinical team at Northern Light Mercy Ear, Nose and Throat Care in July 2023.

CRISTINA BRAVO received the ICTFL Award for New Teachers of Foreign Languages from the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in November 2023.

DAWN BROWN, Ed.D., was hired as the assistant chair of curricular affairs and an assistant professor in the Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences (NUPTHMS) within the Feinberg School of Medicine in June 2023.

’23

KIMBERLY NIXON, M.S.Ed., was named director of financial services for the Alton School District, Illinois, in October 2023.

Meagan O’Connor, M.S. ’15, and Nici Mense, ’13, Help Pro Athletes Eat Their Way to Victory

Meagan O’Connor

Managing the daily nutritional needs of professional athletes is a demanding career for Meagan O’Connor, M.S. ’15, RDN, CSSD, ISAK-1, LDN, the dietitian of the USA Weightlifting team, and Nici Mense, ’13, R D, the team dietitian for the New York Jets.

Mense, who recently completed her seventh season with the team, is the team’s first full-time dietitian. Properly fueling players so they feel the difference in their performance is something she learned while playing soccer at NIU. That experience led her to earn a Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics and pursue a career in sports nutrition.

“Growing up, my mother introduced me to a healthier lifestyle by providing nutritional snacks after school and before sports practices,” she said. “I remember her putting flaxseed in our pancakes. When I went to college, I found soccer to be more demanding on my body than I had anticipated, and I needed to fuel myself properly to match my performance on the field. This realization changed my perspective. I’ve always loved sports and food, so bringing them both together made the most sense, and I knew I wanted to help other athletes experience what I did.”

For O’Connor, it was a similar, natural progression leading her to work as the team dietitian for the Iowa Cubs (a Chicago Cubs triple-A affiliate team), the Chicago White Sox, the Charlotte Hornets and as a scientist/sports dietitian for Gatorade Sports Science Institute. Growing up playing sports, O’Connor says she was interested in finding ways to make her a better and healthier athlete and individual.

“One of my high school teachers, Mr. Latorre, gave us a project to take a deep dive into three potential careers we were interested in pursuing, and we had to choose one to present to the class,” she shared. “This was when I realized I wanted to be a sports dietitian.”

Working with USA Weightlifting for six years, O’Connor attends team camps and international competitions and meets with athletes individually. She also has a private practice, Plate to Platform, LLC, specializing in strength athletes and team sports. She meets one-on-one with athletes from all over the country, collects scientific data and speaks at conferences or to groups of athletes.

“I am part of something bigger than myself,” O’Connor remarked. “It makes me so proud to see the progress athletes make while working with them.”

Committed to the New York Jets, Mense is in lockstep with the team’s schedule.

“My days differ depending on what time of year it is,” she said. “It’s the busiest during training camp through the end of the season. We will work seven days a week unless it’s our bye week. In the mornings, we make shakes, stock our fueling stations and do body composition testing. We ensure players fuel and hydrate properly before, during and after practice. They receive recovery shakes, snacks and fruit for post-practice recovery. While they are in meetings throughout the day, that’s a time to get work done or plan for the weeks ahead, whether planning the travel menu for the airplane or the post-game food menu for the week.”

Occasionally, athletes need a warm-up period when working with a dietitian.

“It can take time after first educating a player,” said Mense, “but it’s always so awesome to see when it starts clicking for them. Unfortunately, there are times when a player doesn’t listen to the education and injures themselves or continues to not make changes.”

“It can be challenging proving to teams, athletes and coaches that dietitians are here to help them and that we are not the food police,” O’Connor said. “It sometimes takes time before people trust you as part of their team.”

Still, both O’Connor and Mense feel fulfilled in their roles and continue to push their athletes, knowing that nutrition is key to fueling performance, recovery and long-term health.

“Sports dietitians are finally being recognized as an important part of a high-performance team,” said O’Connor. “Some organizations and sports are still playing catch-up, and including dietitians on the team will only continue to expand.”

NIU helped Mense in more ways than she imagined.

“NIU truly helped grow me into the person I am today,” Mense said. “I received an athletic scholarship. I met some of my best friends there, and my student-athlete experience really helps me connect with other professional athletes. Having been in their shoes, knowing the work and sacrifices they put in to achieve what they want to achieve, is a tremendous asset to my role.”

Nici Mense (right).

O’Connor, who came to NIU for her Master of Science and dietetic internship combination, agreed.

“I truly grew during my time at NIU,” she said. “Both the coursework and internship helped me to see the big picture and to logically apply what I was learning in the real world.”

The two dietitians are far from finished learning. O’Connor describes herself as “obsessed” with her field, constantly evolving and gaining knowledge.

“If I am the same human or sports dietitian three years from now, then I am doing something wrong,” she declared. “The more open-minded I am, and the more I am able to learn and grow as a professional, the better I can help athletes with their goals.”

Never think something is too big to attain,” said Mense. “I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone applying for my role, and I will continue to push myself throughout my career.”

By staying at the forefront of their field, Mense and O’Connor provide essential advice and strategies to the athletes they work with, helping them to achieve their goals and perform at their best. With their dedication and expertise, it’s clear that pro athletes are truly eating their way to victory.

Accounting for Taste

While the rest of us may count on a carefree night of dining out or some homemade comfort food after a long day at the office, we rarely consider all that goes into getting these experiences “just right” for consumers.

For two NIU College of Business alumni, the success stories of their brands are in their numbers, as well as market research, strategic growth and calculated risks.

Tony Querciagrossa

Just ask Tony Querciagrossa, who earned his finance degree in 2007, and now serves as the chief financial officer of Pinstripes, Inc., an experiential dining and entertainment venue. The newly public company serves up made-from-scratch Italian/American cuisine along with bowling, bocce and memorable private events.

“I love to build teams and grow businesses, and Pinstripes is an incredible growth story with a phenomenal team behind the magic that strikes every day here,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to creating value for Pinstripes shareholders, customers and team members for many years to come.

Likewise, Amy Small, who earned her accountancy degree in 2009, works as a senior finance manager at The Kraft Heinz Company—home to everyone’s favorite brands, including the obvious Kraft and Heinz, but also Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Lunchables, Velveeta, Maxwell House, Capri Sun, Ore-Ida, Kool-Aid, Jell-O and Classico.

“I support a sales team with financial planning and analysis activities, and the team I support sells our food and beverage items to dollar, drug and convenience stores. The most fun part of my role is providing guidance to the team to help them in selling items into stores and then seeing the items on the shelf, knowing that I was involved in making it happen,” she said.

Forgoing the mundane stereotypes of stale number crunching, these two Huskies have proven their finance and accountancy degrees have made them integral to growing two companies known for their loyal followings.

Dining Differently

After years of working finance and general management roles at industrial and medical companies like Emerson, GE, Medline and Filtration Group, Querciagrossa made the move to Pinstripes. A seasoned operating executive with experience building and leading highly effective global teams across businesses with varying levels of scale and complexity, he knew it was time to try something new.

“This role has very much been ‘lightning in a bottle’ for me,” Querciagrossa said. “I joined in September 2023, and we went public at the end of December 2023. The biggest challenges are managing the complexities of being a public company while helping to manage the business and create value. It’s a delicate balance.”

Querciagrossa’s successful track record in driving value and strong cash flow generation—all while focusing on organizational and talent development—made him the right man for the job. An experiential dining and entertainment concept, Pinstripes was founded in 2007. The company is headquartered in Chicago and currently operates 16 locations across the country with over 2,000 team members.

For Querciagrossa, who grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago, a business career was no surprise. The son of two educators, he always knew he wanted to be in business.

“I was fortunate to have a group of uncles that all were successful in business and mentored me,” he said, adding that being offered the Executive Club Scholarship at NIU helped to focus his aspirations.

“The Executive Club Scholarship was a key differentiator for me to choose NIU, along with Barsema Hall and the incredible facilities that I knew I would be able to enjoy and utilize.” Querciagrossa said.

Reflecting on his time on campus, he noted that the required UBUS 310 course brought perspective to his learning.

“That course taught me a lot about prioritization and how to methodically work through a number of different business areas all at once. It very much simulated how the real world works, a perspective I now appreciate and understand,” he said.

Amy Small

The Finance of Food

Meanwhile, Small is honing her craft at the Kraft Heinz Company—one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world, with six $1 billion+ brands and global sales of approximately $27 billion. A globally trusted producer of high-quality, great-tasting, and nutritious foods for over 150 years, Kraft Heinz is co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, with products sold in nearly 200 countries.

“The most fulfilling part of my work is the impact I have on helping the sales team with selling items to their customers, which has a direct effect on our results as a company,” Small said. “It is rewarding when our hard work adds value to the company and has a direct impact on our company’s success.”

Of course, her job is not without its obstacles.

“Completing our annual planning process successfully and helping to ensure that we do not overspend our trade/promotional budget can be a challenge,” she said, adding that her hands-on experiences at NIU have helped her to know the proper ways to plan ahead.

“My most memorable experience at NIU was being in a sorority—Alpha Phi—during my sophomore through senior years. I held a couple of officer roles, including treasurer and panhellenic delegate, which helped contribute to my leadership and communication skills. I also met many wonderful women, a few of whom I am still close friends with to this day,” she said.

Born in Dodge City, Kansas, Small grew up near St. Louis, Missouri, and in Gurnee, Illinois, where sports helped her to become less reserved.

“In high school, I played soccer and became heavily involved in an organization called Future Business Leaders of America,” she said. “I was a diligent student, graduating with over 4.0 GPA in high school. Initially I wanted to be a teacher or do something in the medical field, like become a doctor or nurse. But in high school, I took a couple of business courses, including accounting, and decided that was the best route for me.”

Small chose NIU for her degree in accountancy because she knew the program was world renowned, and she also sensed the strength of the Huskie community.

“When I visited the campus before making my decision, I got a sense of the school spirit that existed, especially with the NIU Huskies football team. This excited me and helped me in finalizing my decision,” Small said.

Feeding the Soul

As with so many Huskies who have found success in their careers, both Small and Querciagrossa feel compelled to give back to students who are still finding their paths.

“I volunteer for iMentor, which is a nonprofit organization that started in New York and expanded to Chicago. My volunteer work involves being a mentor to a high school student and helping them navigate finishing high school, applying to college, and getting through t he first couple years of college,” Small said, adding that her mentee is currently attending Malcolm X College and pursuing a degree in dental hygiene.

Small also participates in meal packing events that Kraft Heinz holds in collaboration with the organization Rise Against Hunger.

Querciagrossa gives back to a cause that is close to his own heart. He is a donor to and a member of the NIU Executive Club, the same program that offered him a scholarship when he earned his degree. The club creates student scholarships, mentors students, and recruits for internships or permanent positions, among other initiatives.

“I give back to NIU as best I can,” Querciagrossa said. “NIU is practical, affordable and of great quality. People that graduate from NIU work hard and embody a lot of great entrepreneurial attributes. We also tend to know we have to earn everything we get, which is an endearing quality and attitude to have.”

Small could not agree more.

“What makes NIU special is that it offers a great education with real-world experiences woven into the curriculum and an outstanding faculty that cares about its students and makes sure to prepare them for success,” she said.

To support the Executive Club Scholarship or other College of Business scholarships, visit www.niufoundation.org/give.

Farewell Ol’ Friend

With a heavy heart, Northern Illinois University announced on Thursday, December 21, 2023, the passing of its beloved live mascot, Mission I. Mission served as the official live mascot from 2013 to 2021. He passed away peacefully on December 18 after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by those who loved him dearly.

Mission, who was also a certified therapy dog, was born on December 11, 2011, in Marengo, Illinois. The Siberian husky joined the Huskie Nation in late 2013, thanks to the philanthropic support of proud alumni and donors John, ’75 and Cassandra McKearn, ’75.

“We dedicated this program to honor our fathers’ military service,” shared John and Cassandra. “Mission, in name and conduct, set a high standard while establishing a legacy at NIU.”

Mission’s legacy as a mascot went beyond representing NIU Athletics. During his time at NIU, Mission spent #MissionMondays on campus visiting various buildings and colleges and connecting with students, faculty and staff to start their weeks on a bright note.

Mission will forever symbolize the unity, strength and resilience of the Huskie spirit. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

To help support the Mission live mascot program and Mission’s training, please visit www.niufoundation.org/give and select “Mission Program” from the dropdown menu.

Michael Leeson, ’24, Shoots and Scores for NIU Soccer and School of Art and Design

Photo Credit: Michael Leeson

At any university, the performing arts students and intercollegiate athletes are some of the most visible students on campus. Not only is that true at NIU, but Paul Kassel, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Sean Frazier, vice president/director of athletics and recreation, have taken the extra step to create ways for those students to get together and enjoy the product of each other’s hard work.

Through the Artists for Athletes/ Athletes for Artists initiative, these students are special VIP guests at each other’s performances, exhibitions and games, working to create a culture where students enjoy, understand and appreciate their respective students’ unique talents put on display for all to enjoy.

One student with a foot in both worlds is Michael Leeson, who graduated in May with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from the School of Art and Design while also doing photography and videography for the NIU men’s soccer team.

Leeson played soccer at Harlem High School in Machesney Park, Illinois, and played club soccer for Rockford Raptors FC. He is currently an assistant coach for Harlem’s boys and girls soccer teams.

His interest in photography started at home. His dad had a darkroom in the house and gave Leeson his first digital camera. The more shots Leeson took, the more he began to enjoy it. After some time at Western Illinois University and Rock Valley College, he transferred to NIU to earn his B.F.A.

In spring 2023, Leeson did a photography project on a senior he was coaching at Harlem, documenting his life on and off the field. The work caught the eye of his photography professor, Jessica Labatte, now the director of the School of Art and Design. She encouraged Leeson to combine his love of soccer and photography more formally, and soon, Bethany Geiseman, academic advisor in Art and Design, and men’s soccer assistant coach Ronnie Bouemboue, were creating a work-study opportunity for Leeson.

Photo Credit: Michael Leeson

Leeson not only shot footage at Huskies home games, but he also traveled with the team for road games and shot three training sessions per week.

Hard work wasn’t an issue for Leeson. For games he would get shots of the travel, warmups, game action and even some locker room footage. He would produce photos within a day and turn up to four hours of footage into a two-minute video, and provide Huskie Athletics with all kinds of material for them to use. The marketing team in athletics took his finished products and posted them regularly on social media and the athletics website.

Leeson worked about 400 hours in total and collected more than three terabytes of photos and videos. His three-credit work-study project grew into a six-credit project. His versatility to be able to shoot both photos and videos was a huge asset to the team.

Leeson’s background as a soccer player and coach meant he knew what to look for and how to best portray it. He said his biggest reward came from the athletes themselves when they saw his completed work and were impressed enough to request him to do more.

All of that work has helped Leeson build an impressive portfolio as he looks to further his career shooting for professional teams and players. Still, he also wants to continue to pursue fine arts photography, as that’s what got him interested in the medium in the first place.

There are students right now at NIU who thrive in athletics and the arts, and they need your support. To give to the soccer program, the School of Art and Design, or other related programs, visit www.niufoundation.org/give.

NIU College of Law Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence in Legal Education

The NIU College of Law is excited to announce and celebrate its 50th anniversary. Over the past five decades, the College of Law has been a beacon of excellence in legal education, shaping the minds of countless legal professionals and contributing to the advancement of the legal field.

Join us in commemorating this momentous occasion as we reflect on the rich history, achievements, and the profound impact the NIU College of Law has had on the legal community and in the legal profession. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, the hard work of our students and the unwavering support of our alumni.

We will mark this special occasion with an Anniversary Gala on November 2, 2024. In addition, we will host a series of special events and initiatives throughout the year. Visit www.niu.edu/law for additional details.

Save the Date - Come celebrate 50 years of excellence with the Northern Illinois University College of Law. November 2, 2024

Support future legal professionals with a gift to the College of Law 50th Anniversary.
Your generosity will support hardworking College of Law students with scholarships.
Visit www.niufoundation.org/give to make your donation.

John Deere’s PR Leader, Jen Hartmann, ’94, M.A. ’97, Plows Through Crises

Jen Hartmann

As the global director of public relations and enterprise social media for John Deere, Jen Hartmann, ’94, M.A. ’97, is responsible for managing the image and reputation of the company. Hartmann leads media relations, social media community building, and handles crisis events and issues that could have a negative impact on the brand.

Hartmann’s leadership was immediately tested when she assumed the role on March 1, 2020, just weeks before the global COVID-19 pandemic began.

“My predecessor retired after serving 21 years as director of public relations at John Deere—he had become one of my dearest mentors,” shared Hartmann. “During our last meeting, I asked him if I could call him if I ever experienced a significant crisis. He responded quickly and emphatically, ‘no.’”

Hartmann recounts her first few weeks in her role.

“Of course, two weeks later, the world faced one of the most unprecedented world crisis events in history. Deere, like all companies, was facing so many unknowns. Would employees be able to continue building the equipment and parts so many farmers depend on to plant, grow and harvest their crops? Would employees be safe working on assembly lines? Would suppliers be able to provide the parts they needed to build our equipment? How would the company and its 72 units around the world be impacted in the long run?”

Hartmann worked 12 to 15 hour days in the first few weeks of the pandemic, responding to media inquiries and developing timely communications for employees, dealers, customers and shareholders. Navigating the crisis on her own gave her greater confidence in her abilities to lead the PR function for the company.

“I did all this knowing I had to step up and do it on my own—without the lifeline I thought I needed,” she said. “In hindsight, it was one of the greatest gifts any mentor has ever given me.”

It wasn’t the first time Hartmann tackled a crisis head on with grit and fortitude.

In 2011, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The tumor was wrapped around her vagus nerve, which manages critical functions such as the ability to speak, eat and swallow. While the surgeons believed the tumor was benign, they expected the surgery to permanently damage the nerve. Hartmann went into the surgery believing she would never be able to speak or eat normally again. But she eventually regained her voice and ability to eat and drink.

“It was such an incredible blessing,” said Hartmann. “I began to view the world through a vastly different lens. It gave me gratitude that persists to this day. What really matters now are the relationships I have, the impact I can have on young professionals, and the experiences I can foster within the teams I lead.”

Growing up in the small town of Preemption, Illinois, Hartmann was always surrounded by agriculture and the John Deere brand. She idolized her aunt, who worked for John Deere just 20 miles north at the world headquarters in Moline, Illinois. But her journey to John Deere didn’t crystallize in her mind until college.

While at NIU, Hartmann worked for the student activities office in a workstudy role and later served as a graduate assistant for the student-run Campus Activities Board. She gained valuable experience working behind the scenes on Homecoming activities, Greek Week, spring break events, and even musical, comedy and theater acts the board brought to campus. These campus experiences played a significant role in shaping her aspirations for a career in public relations.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in English, Hartmann decided to continue her education and pursue a master’s in communication studies from NIU. She spent a year as a graduate assistant for the Campus Activities Board and then a summer as an intern at Edelman Public Relations in Chicago.

“The internship opportunity was a dream come true, but the commute was fairly brutal,” Hartmann recalled.

“Each weekday, I’d drive 30 minutes to St. Charles, take the train another 60 minutes and then walk another 30 minutes to the office.”

The long commute time, however, gave Hartmann time to consider where she wanted to work, what experiences she hoped for, and her long-term career aspirations.

“I recall one morning with absolute clarity,” she said. “Looking to pass the time (well before the Apple iPhone had been introduced), I opened the copy of NIU’s alumni magazine that I had stuffed in my bag that day.

As I leaned against the window frame of the Metra train, I flipped to the back to find the list of alumni news and announcements. It was my favorite part as I loved looking to see if there were any friends or fellow classmates I recognized among the list of jobs, career accomplishments or personal updates.”

“And then it hit me. One day, I want to be the head of public relations for John Deere,” Hartmann said. “I didn’t know how or when. I just knew it was my dream job.”

Working at Edelman, Hartmann learned the value of caring about the products or organizations she wanted to represent. She knew she belonged somewhere with a meaningful purpose.

After working in various marketing and public relations roles, including manager for domestic marketing programs at the Illinois Soybean Association and vice president of brand strategy and marketing at the United Way of the Quad Cities Area, Hartmann’s goal to be a part of John Deere became a reality. In 2008, she joined the company as a public relations specialist and Gold Key Tour lead—Hartmann immediately felt a strong connection to the brand.

“I grew up with a corn and soybean field just 10 inches from our kitchen window,” she said. “Farming was part of my community’s culture. I’m extremely proud to work with, alongside and for farmers. John Deere helps farmers produce more food with fewer resources, our technology helps farmers work more sustainably, and the industries we serve touch all of us on a daily basis. All of this makes my work feel incredibly meaningful.”

Hartmann’s husband, Pat, recently celebrated 25 years at John Deere and has John Deere green in his DNA. His father, Mike, was an engineer at John Deere before retiring. Reaching her own milestone, Hartmann recently celebrated 15 years working at John Deere.

In addition to the pandemic, Hartmann led John Deere’s public relations through many considerable moments in history.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine facing a global pandemic, social unrest, election chaos, and a United Auto Workers strike at John Deere, a top story for weeks across all news outlets and social media,” said Hartmann. “I received a note from my predecessor saying that I had gained 20 years of experience after only weeks on the job!”

Rooted in empathy, a strong moral compass, and cultivating relationships, Hartmann has guided her career to the helm of a global agriculture giant like John Deere, bringing her dream to reality. Her story serves as a reminder that no matter the challenge, it is possible to overcome it with the grit and determination of a Huskie.

Our Cup is Full

Imagine walking through campus and stopping to nibble on a strawberry or pick a tomato and some basil to make a salad later. That’s exactly what’s happening spring through fall at NIU, thanks to Edible Campus.

The Edible Campus program got a sweet taste of success during its first year of operation last year, and project leaders are excited to see it expand even further.

Edible Campus is in perfect alignment with the university’s sweeping Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, which calls for NIU to “chart an ambitious path forward to become an innovator and leader in sustainability.”

The first phase of Edible Campus was the creation of a network of free-to-pick gardens for students, employees and the community. Once these beds were put in place, a market garden was developed to provide fresh, campus-grown produce to Campus Dining and the Huskie Food Pantry. NIU classes about food sustainability and research programs are engaging with Edible Campus.

Edible Campus involves volunteers from throughout the NIU community, including students and student groups, NIU employees, and local residents; partnerships with local, state and national organizations and companies; and events taught by NIU employees and partners related to food and sustainability.

Dr. Amy Jo Clemens, assistant vice president in the Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development (OERD), which oversees the program, sang its praises and said the program will continue to grow.

“There hasn’t been a piece of it that hasn’t worked out, and as we keep growing it, we keep adding more partnerships,” Clemens said. “Everybody on campus has been so excited about it. It’s been such a collaborative, positive initiative.”

Clemens credited Bryan Flower, a professional chef who is the program’s director and the assistant director of food systems innovation at NIU, for forwarding the idea of the Edible Campus.

Flower said he had researched other universities with sustainable agriculture programs, including the University of Kentucky, which has an off-campus butcher shop, and the University of North Carolina, which has a similar program.

“I put a presentation together showing what would happen if we built little beds around campus for growing food and students could pick produce as they were going from one class to another, just something simple,” Flower said.

As the idea continued to percolate, a funding opportunity became available in the form of a congressionally directed funding grant from Senator Dick Durbin, who has a strong interest in programs addressing sustainability and food insecurity.

The initial funding for the project comes from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Division of OERD received $500,000 in federal funding in December 2022 to be paid over three years to establish the Edible Campus and related workforce development training.

Dr. Rena Cotsones, vice president of OERD and chief engagement officer, principal investigator on the grant, immediately turned to Flower to develop the Edible Campus concept.

In the spring of 2023, the Edible Campus began to take shape. From the beginning, collaboration with NIU and community partners was an important element of the project.

“Developing a network of champions and partners is key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of a project like this,” Flower said.

He began lining up partnerships with local and state organizations and companies to expand resources and ensure that the Edible Campus vision could become a reality. There was no shortage of partners lining up to help.

The initial partners included Ball Agriculture, which donated seeds; Garden Prairie Organics, which donated 40 yards of compost; Gordon Hardware in DeKalb, which donated an entire suite of tools and sold additional tools to the program at cost; and Feeding Illinois, which donated 200 raised garden beds.

Midwest Groundcovers, a local wholesaler, was so excited about the project that they pitched in to build a 1,300-square-foot greenhouse to help the program extend its growing season.

Flowers and a crew of university and community volunteers installed 100 of the raised beds during its first year, growing a wide variety of crops, including tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, herbs, eggplant and sunflowers.

In addition, the program built a 5,000-square-foot market garden behind Anderson Hall. That garden grew more than 3,000 pounds of produce last year that was supplied to Campus Dining and the Huskie Food Pantry, along with food for the Edible Campus Meal Prep Program and its Preservation Program.

“When we started building this market garden, we realized we needed to start building some programs because our mission is to help solve food insecurity,” he said.

The Meal Prep Program helps students who are food insecure and unable to cook at home.

“We built the Meal Prep Program off a conversation I had with a student who told me, ‘I use the Huskie Food Pantry, but I can’t take the produce because I don’t have a kitchen to cook it in,’” Flower said.

Flower said College of Health and Human Sciences leadership allowed them to use kitchen space in Wirtz Hall and lent them a graduate assistant to help with the Meal Prep Program.

Every Monday afternoon from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. for 12 weeks during the fall and spring semesters, students can come in and cook meals using Edible Campus market produce and ingredients that have been donated by the Undeniably Dairy organization.

“Students cook enough for five meals, we give them the containers to take them away in that are reusable, microwave friendly, and BPA free, and they can come back the following week with the containers and do a different recipe,” he said.

The program has guided students to cook more than 765 meals so far, starting during the last fall semester, Flower said.

The Preservation Program is led by Pick Museum of Anthropology Curator Jessica Cima, who teaches students how to preserve produce. For example, last semester she taught a group how to jar their own tomato sauce.

Flower said the program aims to double its market garden space to 10,000 square feet during the next growing season.

Flower is also working to develop sustainable food-growing workshops for students and the local community with DeKalb County Community Gardens (DCCG), another partner. Along with DCCG, the Edible Campus program also installed a worm composting farm called a Vermicompost system.

There are also many research components involved with the program. Last year, ComEd donated a $200,000 40-foot-long hydroponic grow container they call the Hydropod as part of an indoor food production research project with the Electrical Power and Research Institute (EPRI). EPRI will be monitoring the units over 16 months as Edible Campus operates it, and at the end of the project, the unit will become a permanent part of the Edible Campus.

“When fully operational, the unit has the capability to provide a substantial amount of food, around 100 pounds of leafy greens per week,” Flower said.

There are plans to start a vegan/vegetarian food truck that will serve NIU students and the community and feature dishes from around the globe, reflecting NIU’s diverse student population. Flower said the food truck will be a revenue-generating operation to help keep Edible Campus economically sustainable.

“The goal is to take into consideration the multicultural nature of our student body,” he said. “There are so many great vegan or vegetarian dishes that represent all of the cultures on campus and are amazing. Not only will we be creating great food, but we will also be creating a sense of belonging for those students.”

Cotsones said Edible Campus represents the very best type of community engagement.

“Multiple stakeholders from the university and community are united in co-creating solutions for addressing food insecurity, advancing sustainability goals, and creating a healthy local foods culture. We’ve seen that one success begets another success, as partners come on board and are inspired to bring another impactful element to the project.

Edible Campus is part of classes, service projects, and has inspired a growing network of volunteers who are working, learning and making a difference together.”

Cotsones added, “Attracting the attention, collaboration and resources of ComEd and EPRI has expanded the project beyond the boundaries of northern Illinois to make Edible Campus part of a much larger regional initiative and a wonderful initial food systems innovation and engagement project for the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability NICCS.”

Flower said the Edible Campus program demonstrates NIU’s success in advancing a collaborative vision around sustainability and equitable food systems while feeding the university’s hunger for research.

“It’s evolving into something much bigger than what I ever imagined it could be,” he said of Edible Campus. “You don’t need to be an ag school to run a program like this. You need people who understand food and understand technology, are committed to working together, and have a passion for growing things. All of those ingredients have made Edible Campus a success.”

Help the Edible Campus Initiative grow! Visit www.niufoundation.org/give to make your gift.