Shout out to the Employer Engagement team in Career Services for their outstanding work at the End-of-Year Career Fair! You did an amazing job and thank you for all you did for our students and internal and external partners. We could not have had such a successful event without you. Go team!
Date posted: May 14, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Diane Hart, Caroline Kosmel, Wes Jones, and Jan Wylde – Career Services
Kyle Westbrook has been a tremendous partner for the NIU Foundation’s Corporate & Foundation Relations team. He has given freely of his time and knowledge to help us explore and strategize philanthropic partnerships vital to the university. We’re extremely grateful for his collaboration!
Date posted: May 14, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Kyle Westbrook – Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development
CART provides captioning in real time for students who may not have been born deaf but who lost their hearing later in their lives.
Pam Wixom
“The students we work with are not fluent in sign language and they use our CART services, so they have access to the classroom,” Pam Wixom, NIU’s lead CART captioner, said. “The goal is for them to experience a class just like a hearing person would experience it.”
As part of achieving that goal, professors wear a microphone during class and are encouraged to pass the microphone to others who may be speaking as part of a group discussion. Wixom and her fellow CART captioners are then able to transcribe what is said in those added discussions, so students utilizing this service can interact in that way as well.
Students who wish to use the CART service can complete a request form or contact the Disability Resource Center at 815-753-1303 or drc@niu.edu.
Students meet with an access consultant and share their class schedule with them. From there, the CART staff builds a schedule around students who need the service.
Once a class begins, Wixom’s team of four CART captioners connect with students through Skype, Blackboard or Teams, then provide a live caption feed link as they listen to the lecture. Students can play back the lecture afterward, as needed. Students are paired with the same CART provider throughout the week, so they don’t have to figure out who they’re working with on a given day.
Wixom has provided CART captioning services for 20 years at NIU and says the requests have increased over the years. She enjoys the work, along with the interaction with students and getting to see them succeed in their coursework.
“It is a very rewarding job helping somebody be able to attend school. All our students thank us and they’re so appreciative of what we do,” Wixom said.
Wixom sends out an informational video to faculty members at the beginning of each semester to let them know about CART, and to help empower them to inform their students that it is available.
“It’s just a great service, and the more awareness we can bring to it, the more students we can help,” she said.
The Disability Resource Center provides this service to eligible, enrolled students for their class-related academic activities. NIU is committed to providing access and will provide CART services and sign language interpreters as able for university-related events in accordance with applicable law.
Date posted: May 14, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on CART services helping students at NIU
William Pitney, who began serving last July as acting dean of the College of Education, will remain in that position for a second year.
William Pitney
Pitney stepped up as previous dean Laurie Elish-Piper accepted an interim appointment as NIU’s Executive Vice President and Provost, a role she now holds officially.
A national search will begin this fall to identify the next dean.
“Bill took on this role on July 1, 2023, and I am grateful for his strategic and thoughtful leadership this year,” Elish-Piper wrote in a message to college faculty and staff. “I appreciate his willingness to continue serving.”
“I’m humbled to be asked to stay on as acting dean for an additional year, and look forward to continue working with our amazing faculty, staff and students,” says Pitney, professor of Athletic Training in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education since 1994.
“I have really enjoyed overseeing our college operations over the past year,” he adds, “and I’m proud of the meaningful academic experiences we have created for our students; the research, professional development, and engagement opportunities we have created for our faculty and staff; the expanded reach of our academic programs in the region; and the efforts to address aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion in many facets of our unit.”
Since returning to the college’s administration, the former associate dean of Research, Resources and Innovation from 2016 to 2022 has maintained forward momentum.
He participated last year in the successful discussions to include Early Childhood Education as one of five NIU majors launching in August at the University Center at McHenry County College.
Meanwhile, he also spoke with lawmakers and state officials at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield during NIU Advocacy Day, launched a new alumni council and has engaged in several meetings with the University of Tetova in North Macedonia to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Now, Pitney is looking ahead to the coming year.
“We need to examine how to invest in our academic programs in a financially constrained time,” he says, “while we continue our efforts to support research and continually work on our culture of belonging.”
Date posted: May 14, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on William Pitney to lead College of Education as acting dean for a second year
NIU started a new tradition of gratitude at this year’s commencement ceremonies.
Graduates at graduate and undergraduate ceremonies last weekend found a red, black and silver coin on their seats inscribed with the words, “Huskie Gratitude.”
Addressing the graduates, President Lisa Freeman told them they should be proud for achieving their goals. But she also reminded them that “no one who walks across the stage at commencement does so alone.”
The coin, she explained, is meant for each graduate to pass along to someone who has been especially influential during their Huskie journey.
“It might be someone who inspired your career path,” President Lisa Freeman told the graduates.
“It might be someone who helped you financially. It might be someone who told you, ‘Don’t quit,’ or ‘You can do it,’ or ‘You belong here.’ ”
The coin also came with a message for its recipient: “As a proud graduate of Northern Illinois University, I share this commemorative coin in recognition of your unwavering support in my journey to earn my degree. Your contribution to my education is a cherished gift that will remain with me for a lifetime. Thank you.”
A small administrative team has been working to continuously enhance the commencement experience by amplifying the gratitude and Huskie pride felt and shared at the events. One other innovation in recent years is the video element of the ceremonies, where student stories are shared with the audience, highlighting student commitment to service, to academic success and to their communities.
Biological Sciences Professor Virginia Naples had shared with the president an example of a ceremony she attended where graduates received a commemorative item. The president liked the idea of having a takeaway, and the commencement team came up with the coin tradition.
The president brought the idea full circle in her commencement remarks.
“As Huskies, we recognize that we’re all connected.” Freeman said. “We acknowledge that many people carry us along in our lives. Today, you are expressing gratitude to those who made a difference for you. In the future, you will be acknowledged for the support and inspiration that you provide to others. Lifting people up—that’s what it means to be a Huskie.”
Date posted: May 14, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on University coins a new commencement tradition
The School of Music Recital Hall was packed as NIU alumni, donors, and community members gathered for NIU’s first-ever Trek Talk event on May 3
Huskie Trek Talks: Ideas in Motion made its debut on May 3 to a filled house, eager to learn more about the exciting innovation and creativity happening throughout Northern Illinois University. Huskie Trek Talks was designed as a platform to connect one-on-one with attendees, sparking discussions the university believes will lead to impactful partnerships and advancements. These interactions underscored the essence of the event: to foster a community of innovators driven by a passion to explore and solve complex challenges.
The evening was conceptualized by NIU’s Strategic Development Team (SDT), an interdivisional group comprised of University Advancement/Foundation; Research and Innovation Partnerships; and Outreach, Engagement, and Regional Development. The SDT strives to develop “game-changing” opportunities that help match donor, investor and partner interests with NIU priorities and drive enduring value to the university.
Venumadhav Korampally, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, takes the stage to present “Democratizing Healthcare, with Paper!”
Guests at the inaugural event (both in-person and virtual) were treated to a combination of live and pre-taped presentations from faculty, staff and students. Participants’ presentations highlighted findings and forward-focused solutions in fields ranging from macular degeneration and digital history preservation to affordable healthcare diagnostics and the arts. The event also featured pioneering work on restoring the North 40, further demonstrating the breadth and depth of research at NIU.
Following the event, presenters and attendees had the unique opportunity to engage in deeper conversations about the research topics, allowing for a richer exchange of ideas and potential collaborations.
Several presentations were singled out by the NIU Foundation Grants Committee and the SDT for special distinction including:
Sowing the Seed of Change by Bryan Flower, assistant director for Food Systems Innovation, Office of Innovation.
We Can See Clearly Now by Elizabeth Gaillard, Ph.D., distinguished research professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Repercussions of Our Actions: Rise of Superbugs by Pallavi Singh, Ph.D., assistant professor,
Stacey Barsema, NIU Foundation member of the NIU Foundation Grants Committee announcing Trek Talk winners.
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Democratizing Healthcare… With Paper! by Venumadhav Korampally, Ph.D., associate professor, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.
Mentoring and Magic: The Penguin Players – Joe King, associate director, Media Relations and Editorial Content, Division of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications.
Guests in person and online were given the opportunity to submit their personal choice for best presentation, which was awarded to Building Bridges Behind Bars by Jennifer Jacobs, Ph.D., associate professor, College of Education and Zach Wahl-Alexander, Ph.D., associate professor, College of Education.
Stay tuned for updates on the projects and future events that will continue to showcase the spirit of innovation at NIU.
Date posted: May 14, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Creativity and innovation highlighted during Huskie Trek Talks
Emilie has been in her role as Office Manager for the Department of Engineering Technology for less than a year, but has already proven herself invaluable! The most common phrase you will hear from Emilie is “How can I help?” Her enthusiasm to learn new skills, her can-do attitude, and her always positive outlook make Emilie a valued colleague and simply a joy to work beside. Thank you, Emilie!
Date posted: May 12, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Emilie Larson – College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
Karissa is the driving force behind our CLAS Exemplary Student Teaching Awards ceremony each year. From the invitations to the decorations to the celebrations, she makes sure it goes off without a hitch. We couldn’t do it without her!
Date posted: May 12, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Karissa Mercer – Educator Licensure and Preparation
Chris spent a lot of time helping troubleshoot an issue with a new product. He joined multiple calls, walked me through steps I needed to take, and was incredibly patient throughout it all – leading to a positive resolution.
Date posted: May 9, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Chris Janes – Division of Information Technology
Shout out to Amanda, Susie, and Kate…The best Stress Relief Team we could ask for! Thanks for all your efforts to make the end of the semester and finals week stress free for our COB students, staff, and faculty.
Date posted: May 9, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Amanda Lepic, Susie Horton, Kate Hagenbuch – College of Business
During commencement ceremonies this weekend, Cassie Lopez Almanza, who says she has her sights set on becoming a medical doctor, will be among the very first of NIU’s Rockford Promise Scholars to graduate.
In just three years’ time, Almanza earned her undergraduate degree in biological sciences with a minor in chemistry—and she says she is graduating with zero student debt.
The Rockford Promise Program at NIU represents a university partnership with the Rockford Promise organization, Rockford Public Schools and the City of Rockford.
For eligible students who live in the City of Rockford and graduate from one of the Rockford Public Schools with a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0, the NIU program guarantees that tuition and general fee costs will be met by gift aid such as grants and scholarships for up to four years at NIU.
Since the partnership began in the fall of 2021, NIU’s enrollment of freshmen from Rockford Public Schools has grown by more than sixfold, for an average of 112 RPS students enrolled as freshmen in each of the last three years.
Almanza, a first-generation college student, was among the inaugural freshman class of Rockford Promise Scholars.
“At Rockford East, they had promoted (NIU’s Rockford Promise) during the beginning of my senior year,” Almanza said. “I thought it was a great opportunity to continue my education with the tuition paid. I applied and I got accepted, so that was mainly what influenced my choice to go to NIU.”
Not only did she get accepted, but her grades were so good in high school (nearly straight As) that she received a substantial NIU merit scholarship for four years, along with other financial aid that fully covered her tuition and fees. In the event that a Rockford Promise Scholar’s tuition and fees are not fully covered, a Rockford Promise Scholarship or NIU Rockford Promise Grant will be used to make up the difference.
“Just the reassurance that their tuition and fees will be covered is sometimes enough to make a difference in how students view the attainability of a college education,” says Anne Hardy, director of scholarships and financial advising.
Hardy notes that Almanza isn’t alone in graduating debt free. One of every three Huskies who earned their undergraduate degrees over three recent semesters graduated with zero loan debt, she says. Hardy adds that NIU’s test-free merit scholarships and programs like the AIM HIGH Huskie Pledge and Rockford Promise at NIU are aimed at increasing access to higher education and tamping down costs for students.
Almanza says she had graduated near the top of her class at Rockford East and had taken courses in her senior year for college credit. That helped her complete her undergraduate studies in a relatively speedy three years. To further save on college costs, she commuted back and forth from Rockford to NIU, just a 45-minute drive.
“Attending NIU without having to worry about money definitely made me focus more on my studies and put all my effort into it,” Almanza says. “Financially, it took the stress off.”
Almanza, whose parents Maria and Eliseo have been her biggest sources of encouragement and support, says she did take advantage of the mentoring component of the Rockford Promise Program. It helped her learn to manage her time and develop strong study habits.
She plans to take a gap year and put those study skills to good use as she prepares for the Medical College Admission Test. She also became a licensed emergency medical technician this past year and plans to start working as an EMT during her gap year.
Her dream, however, is to become a surgeon.
Date posted: May 9, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Zero debt at graduation—NIU program keeps its Rockford Promise
Chinary Ung, a prominent Cambodian American composer who is the 2024 recipient of the NIU Honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree will take part in a “Meet the Composer” talk, Friday, May 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Music Library on the ground floor of the NIU Music Building. Dr. Ung will discuss his music journey and how the arts and humanities intersect with Asian and Asian American values. A continental breakfast is available at the event.
Chinary Ung
Chinary Ung is often associated with that group of Asian-born composers whose music incorporates aspects of eastern musical characteristics into a western classical music setting. Aside from specific cultural and generational distinctions, the principal difference between Ung’s work and theirs is that for many years he was prevented from engaging directly with the source of his cultural heritage as his native country was being torn apart by the scourge of the Khmer Rouge. Indeed, as the people and culture of Cambodia were being systematically destroyed, Ung took it upon himself to rescue some facet of the traditional music he had known as a child, reconstituting Cambodian musical traditions through his performances on the roneat-ek — the Cambodian xylophone. This project reflects the qualities of responsibility and of hopefulness that are so strongly a part of Ung’s personality.
Ung’s Cambodian roots are woven into the fabric of his identity, but the musical aspects are, as a result of his peculiar circumstance, keenly related to memory. For many years — through the late 1980’s — Ung’s music had a plaintive character in its modally-inflected, melodic behaviors, as if he were reaching back to another time uncorrupted by political tumult. Ung’s work of this period established him as a major figure in American music, winning citations from virtually every major musical arts institution in his adopted country. He was the first American composer to win the prestigious Grawemeyer Award, for Inner Voices. That work, along with the Spirals series indicates a self-referential artistic project where one seeks spiritual strength and inspiration through meditation and quiet contemplation, traits of Buddhist spiritual exercises. The Spirals series in particular shows an affinity for the connection between pieces.
The creative impetus draws from many sources — such as dreams — and there is a distinct pictorial and spiritual basis to Ung’s music. Aura, a large work for two sopranos and chamber ensemble written in 2005, refers to the multicolored aura surrounding the Buddha’s head. The work’s extensive amplification draws the listener into the performance space, as if invited into the healing light of the Buddha. Rain of Tears, a concerto for chamber orchestra composed in 2006, commemorates the victims of natural disasters in Bandeh Aceh and New Orleans. Its many variants on rising and falling figures present a staggering interpretation of wave imagery. In this work, Ung invokes the Buddhist concept of Shunyata, which he describes as spiritual openness, in order to inspire four distinct statements of compassion.
Ung’s extensive orchestral catalog has been commissioned and performed by major orchestras throughout the United States and abroad, including those in Philadelphia, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Tokyo, Sydney, Basel, as well as the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the American Composers Orchestra. Boston Modern Orchestra Project released a recording of Ung’s orchestral music in 2015. Ung’s work has been commissioned by the Meet the Composer/Reader’s Digest Commissioning Program, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Ford, Koussevitsky, Joyce, and Barlow Foundations. In 2014 he was given the John D. Rockefeller 3rd Award by the New York-based Asian Cultural Council.
Ung recently participated in the Pacific Rim Festival at University of California Santa Cruz, where his work entitled Singing Inside Aura III, for Amplified Singing Violist and Korean Traditional Orchestra, received performances at both UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz. This piece, commissioned by the Gugak Center, is projected to receive another performance in Seoul, Korea, December 2017. Additionally, the National Endowment of the Arts has extended support for the forthcoming Therigatha Inside Aura, dedicated to the peacemakers of tomorrow. This spring, Chapman University will present a Chinary Ung Portrait Concert at the new Musco Center for the Arts, and he begins his residence at Scripps College in March 2018, where Therigatha Inside Aura will be performed and recorded.
By any measure, Chinary Ung is an astonishingly prolific composer, yet his focus is rarely turned inward. Indeed, one notes in his activities as a cultural leader and educator a profound sense of responsibility to a broader cultural and societal context. In the years since the holocaust Ung has worked with numerous institutions and individuals who share his dedication toward preserving Cambodian culture and forging cultural exchanges between Asia and the West, such as The Asian Cultural Council. He was President of the Khmer Studies Institute in the U.S.A. between 1980-1985, and was an advisor for the Killing Fields Memorial and Cambodian Heritage Museum of Chicago and a member of the Cambodian-Thai cultural committee.
As an educator, Ung has taught courses in Southeast Asian music and he has instructed generations of young composers at several institutions in the United States, and now, through a series of residencies, in Asia as well. In this regard he follows the example of his mentor, Chou Wen-chung. He holds appointments at University of California, San Diego, where he is Distinguished Professor of Music, and at Chapman University, where he is a Presidential Fellow and Senior Composer in Residence. For the 2017-2018 academic year he is the Karel Husa Visiting Professor in Composition at Ithaca College. He and his wife Susan direct the Nirmita Composers Institute each summer, with the goal of providing compositional direction and opportunity to musicians from Southeast Asia.
His music is featured on recordings released on Bridge, CAMBRIA, CRI, New World, Argo, and oodiscs, among others. Chinary Ung’s compositions are published exclusively by C.F. Peters Corporation and they are registered under BMI.
Date posted: May 9, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Honorary degree recipient to take part in Meet the Composer talk May 10
