Letter from the Editor

By Reggie Bustinza, Executive Director, Northern Illinois University Alumni Association

Kennay Farms Distilling Shows True Spirit

Transitioning from spirits to hand sanitizer, the Kennays of Kennay Farms Distilling are doing their part to help during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

By Jami Kunzer ‘94

NIU Law Creates COVID-19 Legal Response Clinic Amid Crises

By Melody Mitchell

At NIU, the Arts Persist Through Adversity

A Function of Society

By Mark McGowan ’92

Waiting to Exhale

Joseph Sener, ’93, M.S. ’10, has a unique perspective on the shortage of some medical devices and life-saving equipment in the age of COVID-19.

By Eva Richards

A New Kind of Busy

By Natalie Troiani ‘02

Predictably Unpredictable

By Tony Scott

Chief Concerns

By Andy Dolan ‘95

Schaumburg’s Unsung Hero

Learn about the COVID-19 crisis in Illinois’ second-largest economic development center, the Village of Schaumburg.

By Cassandra Young ‘84

Nurse Practitioner Christina Wagener, ’98, Will Not Quit

By Eva Richards

A Mask Covers Many Things…

Cover Story

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerry Boysen, ’13, keeps her focus on providing proper care to her patients, no matter how uncomfortable she may be.

By Matt Brendich

First Responder is Ready Any Second

By Dana Herra ‘01

From Katrina to COVID-19

By Donna Turner

Michael Vazquez, ’80, Discusses the Hope for Treatments and a Vaccine

By Eva Richards

We’re All in This Together

Alumnus Jeff Yordon lends hospitals and healthcare providers a helping hand.

By Angela Johansson M.A. ’05 and Tony Scott

Local Resources Answer Call Amidst Pandemic’s Food Insecurity

Coronavirus may not be a foodborne illness, but it is stretching our national and local food systems and causing uncertainty at dinner tables around the globe.

By Eva Richards

Is There a Pandemic Playbook?

By Matt Brendich

Class Notes

From Your NIUAA President

By Peter Garrity ‘71, M.B.A. ‘76, President, NIUAA Board of Directors