NIU Today

It all began with an email from the Huskie Research Rookies program. It was an invitation that changed biology major Evan Wittke’s first-year experience as a Huskie into something extraordinary – not only for him, but perhaps someday, for the world. For Wittke, the title “Research Rookie” meant he could join biology professor Barrie Bode...

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has selected 11 recipients for the 2012 Distinguished Alumni, Faculty and Staff Awards, which celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of outstanding individuals in each category. After the college’s 50th anniversary in 2009, these awards became an annual event. Dean Christopher McCord will present the awards Friday, Oct. 12,...

When recent developments in Burma once again brought the sometimes troubled country into the headlines, Shahin Aftabizadeh was given the opportunity to speak as an expert on the region. Aftabizadeh, who graduated this May from the master’s program at the Center for Burma Studies, appeared on an online news program called “The Stream.” The program is...

Northern Illinois senior Jenner Sio and junior Jenelle McCalla were named to the 2012 Capital One All-District Track & Field/Cross Country team, the College Sports Information Directors of America announced Thursday. Sio graduated this spring with a 4.0 GPA in nursing, while McCalla has a 4.0 GPA in psychology. This marks the fourth time in...

Northern Illinois University women’s golfers Kelsie Passolt and Allie Parthie were selected to the Academic All-Mid-American Conference Team, the league office announced Wednesday. “Kelsie and Allie both did a great job of balancing high-level performance on the course with academic success,” said NIU head coach Pam Tyska. “Sheer desire doesn’t work alone as they put...

NIU is looking for dedicated and motivated students interested in having fun this summer and learning about global leadership and philanthropy. A new opportunity this year – the Global Leadership and Philanthropy Camp – will provide a quality college learning experience to a select group of students. Scheduled from Sunday, July 15, through Friday, July 20,...

What do a mountain, a nonprofit organization and the Division of Public Administration at NIU all have in common? Kurt Thurmaier. The director of the division in the NIU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is planning to climb Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, in June. Tanzania Development Support (TDS), a nonprofit organization co-founded by Thurmaier...

John Mravik’s life is like a book filled with a series of tragic – and even near-death – chapters, along with a few joyous ones. One of those joyous chapters will be written Friday evening when the Elgin resident accepts his  master’s of arts degree during the graduate school commencement. He’ll receive his diploma while...

Gerould W. Kern, senior vice president and editor of the Chicago Tribune, was named Illinois Journalist of the Year at the NIU Journalism Banquet, held April 27. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ journalism program in the Department of Communication also named Eileen Norris as the recipient of the 2012 Donald R. Grubb Distinguished...

Northern Illinois gymnasts Kim Gotlund (Wadsworth, Ill./Warren Township HS), Megan Melendez (Stafford, Va./North Stafford HS) and Tanya Rachan (Lowell, Ind./Hanover Central HS) have been named to the 2012 Gymnastics Academic All Mid-American Conference Team, the league office announced Wednesday. NIU’s three selections tie for the most in school history for gymnastics. “I can’t say how...

Northern Illinois University’s Ph.D. program in history has earned a prestigious Top 100 designation by U.S. News & World Report, ranking 92 among the nation’s history programs. “Doctoral students must have a master’s degree to be admitted to our program, so they arrive with solid skills in analytical reading and writing,” said Anne Hanley, associate...

Adam Lopez, a Mexican-American student at NIU and a Golden Apple Scholar, is an advocate for attaining awareness about one’s history. That includes one’s familial and cultural roots: People who gain a greater understanding of themselves can better “come together and create positive change,” he says. Lopez also sees a place for himself and others...