Vicki is always such a joy to work with! I look forward to our weekly meetings, not only because she provides me with valuable information about the status of our postings, but because her kindness and positivity always make my day! She is truly an expert in her role and I rely on her for so much. She is always patient and considerate, taking the time to ensure I am clear on all of our hiring initiatives. I don’t know what I would do without Vicki!
Date posted: November 7, 2023 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Vicki Wronkowski – Human Resource Services
Bret is an awesome carpenter. He does an A+ quality job, on a consistent basis. He always communicates with us to ensure he understands the needs of our operation before, during and after completing an assigned job. Thank you Bret!
Date posted: November 7, 2023 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Bret Lund – Facilities Management and Campus Services
I arrived late to a workshop at “The Real Talk Conference” and Junelle offered me her seat. I do use a cane however, I would have tried to manage or leave. Junelle offered her seat without me asking and I was surprised and happy. It was a great workshop and Junelles graciousness made my experience even better. She also offered to get my materials from check in when I shared that I had no idea what was next due to my late arrival. Junelle had on a volunteer shirt, however she offered before I asked and made all the difference. Thank you Junelle!
Date posted: November 7, 2023 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Junelle Bennett – Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Student Conduct
School of Art and Design students stand in front of the world’s largest paper snowflake with City of DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes
The NIU Foundation supports colleges and campus partners when student-centered projects, or needs, fall outside traditional university revenue sources.
Funding these unique, often smaller projects across campus has been successful through crowdfunding. NIU crowdfunding raised over $200,000 for over 40 projects. This form of fundraising has served faculty, staff and students, enabling them to raise money quickly for projects. Harnessing the power of volunteers and their individual networks, campus partners conducted targeted, time-sensitive campaigns and are grateful for the participation and support.
“Crowdfunding can have an immediate, positive impact,” says Cody Carter, NIU Foundation associate director of the Northern Fund. “Not only can donors see exactly where their money is going and who it is supporting, they see their contribution meeting an immediate need or covering unplanned expenses.”
NIU Photography students never imagined that after creating the world’s largest paper snowflake (as part of their advanced photography class learning about scale and now in the Guinness Book of World Records), the bill to hang the snowflake for exhibition and preservation would cost close to $3,000. NIU School of Art and Design Director, Jessica Labatte, launched a crowdfunding campaign and raised the necessary funds to pay the bill.
“Teaching students about scale with this project aligned perfectly with the crowdfunding method,” Labatte said. “With crowdfunding, individual, smaller donations together can be scaled to have a larger impact—just like we did coming together to make the world’s largest snowflake. Both represent the power of community and collective actions.”
Labatte launched a new campaign to keep student artwork safely displayed on campus after pieces were vandalized and art student Brianna Boyd is grateful.
“Looking at and creating art is one of my greatest passions in life,” Boyd said. “I have spent weeks, even months, on many of the pieces I have done, and I’ve watched my classmates do the same. Because of our hard work on projects, it is such an honor when a professor asks us to display our work in the halls. I’ve always loved getting to hear others’ reactions to my pieces when I am given this opportunity.”
Boyd hopes they are able to raise the funds needed to acquire more protective display cases, allowing students to show off their work proudly without constantly worrying that something will happen to it.
“Every student puts everything into their artwork, and they deserve peace of mind,” said Boyd. “The ability to run a crowdfunding campaign gives us the chance to make this desire a reality and make connections with others who are just as passionate about our cause!”
NIU College of Law students toss their caps at graduation before they begin preparing for the bar examination
Recently ranked among the top law schools to add the most bar passage value for students, NIU College of Law also supports its hardworking students. Partnered with the College of Law Alumni Council, the college launched a campaign to raise scholarship funds to support students so they don’t have to work while preparing for the bar examination. The crowdfunding campaign to support the scholarship surpassed its initial goal in the first year. Now in its third year, the council hopes to raise $15,000 to award six scholarships to dedicated students.
“Crowdfunding campaigns are easy to share, and anyone can help fundraise by reaching out to their networks,” explained Melody Mitchell, College of Law chief of staff to the dean and assistant dean for strategic communications, alumni engagement, and diversity initiatives. “This year we are excited our council will form teams and compete against each other to raise funds and help students get over the last hurdle to becoming a licensed practicing attorney.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the College of Law executed a crowdfunding campaign to support law students experiencing emergencies and raised over $15,000. Equally successful, the college raised over $30,000 to support the Business Law Innovation Clinic (BLIC), which offers high-quality, transactional legal assistance to primarily underrepresented entrepreneurs, small-business owners and nonprofit business organizations. Taking a holistic approach to support its students, the College of Law leverages the power of crowdfunding and the networks of its alumni.
“Faculty, staff, students and alumni can all serve as crowdfunding champions,” NIU College of Education senior director of communication and strategy Susan Mizgalski said.
The College of Education launched two campaigns this fall to raise funds to support students attending professional conferences.
“It’s a great way to help students who don’t have the extra money for registration and travel expenses to attend professional conferences to gain hands-on experience,” Mizgalski said. It speaks to our programs and to the commitment of our faculty; they do the leg work to raise the funds in support of their students.”
The ripple effect of generosity during crowdfunding campaigns brings unity, innovation and impact to those involved.
“We know that one person’s impact may seem small, but when a community of Huskies come together, nothing is impossible!” said Labatte.
NIU’s latest crowdfunding campaigns launchde on October 10, 2023, and ended on November 2, 2023.
Date posted: November 7, 2023 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on NIU colleges and programs fund projects through non-traditional method
From the bustle of Wall Street to the vibrant classrooms of NIU, Terrence “Terry” Horan, ’86, has had a career that is as inspirational as it is impactful.
As a past president and CEO of STIHL Incorporated and currently serving on the company’s board of directors, Horan’s vast repertoire of professional experiences uniquely positions him to impart wisdom. Yet, among his myriad accomplishments, what stands out most is his commitment to volunteering and nurturing the next generation of leaders as part of the “Executive in Residence” series for NIU’s Executive MBA program.
“I graduated from NIU in 1986 with a B.S. in marketing,” Horan said. “Over 37 years, I have dedicated my professional career to leading brands in the hardware and home improvement space. But it’s my time at NIU that shaped my foundational years, preparing me for the roles I undertook.”
Horan’s recurring visits to NIU’s classrooms are very meaningful to him.
“I’ve always felt a calling to give back,” he said. “Around 2000, I reached out to NIU, offering to help in any form. From guest lectures to one-on-one mentorships, my aim has been to bring real-world experiences to the classroom.”
His dedication to NIU’s MBA program has become a central part of his volunteering.
“Recently, I spoke to the Executive MBA students,” he said. “I wanted to provide them with a perspective of someone who wasn’t handed a family business but built a path through grit, determination and the invaluable lessons learned at NIU.”
His talk with the EMBA students Sept. 29 was more than just a lecture; it was a personal narrative interwoven with professional insights.
“I spoke about my journey, the ups and downs, the challenges and the triumphs,” he said. “The road to success isn’t linear; it’s filled with twists and turns. Yet, with determination, you can always find your way.”
Horan’s lectures are often peppered with personal anecdotes that add depth to his insights. One such story that resonates profoundly is his journey “From Main Street to Wall Street.”
“I literally grew up on Main Street in Mount Prospect, Illinois,” he said. “My trajectory took me from there to ringing the bell on Wall Street — a defining moment in my career. I want students to know if I can do it, so can you.”
A memorable highlight from his recent talk with Executive MBA students was the engaging Q&A session. “I’ve spoken at numerous universities, but the questions from NIU students were unparalleled. It was a testament to their curiosity, ambition and drive,” he said.
Why has Horan decided to give back in such profound ways to the MBA program?
“It’s gratitude,” he said. “I graduated from NIU and spent years in the business world, but I never forgot where I came from. Those were formative years for me. I met my wife at NIU, and it’s been almost 40 years since that day. Northern [Illinois University] is more than just an alma mater; it’s where a pivotal chapter of my life began. That’s why I feel the need to give back and stay connected.”
In a world where success is often measured by professional achievements, Terry Horan reminds us of the enduring impact of giving back.
“I think I can add value,” he said. “It’s really just getting in front of students and talking to them and telling them my journey.”
“Alumni who give back to NIU are such a vital part of our college,” said College of Business Interim Dean Denise Schoenbachler. “Being a Huskie means you are always part of our pack, and our students benefit from our successful graduates who make it a priority to share what they know. Relationships, like the one we have with Terry, are in the fabric of who we are, and I am so proud to see generations of Huskies connecting in these ways.”
Date posted: November 7, 2023 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Terry Horan, ’86: A legacy of giving back to NIU’s MBA students
Nationally, nearly nine million college students take classes exclusively online. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, Northern Illinois University is positioning itself to be a leader in online education.
NIU’s Office of Online Learning within the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning supports the experience of NIU’s fully online learner student body of more than 1,100 students from their initial contact with NIU, through the application and admittance process, all the way to graduation.
Anna Richardson
The office is led by Anna Richardson, named director in February of this year, after serving for nearly five years as online program enrollment coordinator in the Graduate School. In that role, Richardson operated as the first line of contact for prospective online students. Richardson explains the importance of recognizing the needs of online students and how to best support them.
“The need for online education continues to grow, and the online student has different needs. They may be working full-time or have family obligations. Online students are trying to manage their time effectively with school and life responsibilities. Because they have those different things on their plate, they need to be supported in a different way,” said Richardson.
“Although these students are fully online and may never set foot on our campus, we want them to know they are supported at NIU and part of the Huskie community. They have a go-to person on our team that will support them throughout their journey and provide information about student services at NIU that can help them along the way. We’ve made those connections across campus and our role is to follow up with students to make sure they get their questions answered and know where to go when those questions arise.”
Richardson leads a team of seven online student success specialists offering online student support. This team serves as the primary point of contact for online students from the beginning of their interaction with NIU through graduation. Student success specialists provide initial outreach, support through the application and admissions process and ongoing support as online students move through the student life cycle.
“We build that relationship to let online students know they are not in this alone. Because of these relationships, students know we are here to support their success in achieving their ultimate goal, whether that is completing a graduate degree or finishing their bachelor’s degree,” said Richardson. “We have received a lot of support from other units on campus and the strength of these partnerships is vital in supporting this population effectively.”
Students can schedule virtual or phone appointments with an online student success specialist by calling 815-753-6660 or emailing online@niu.edu.
The efforts of the Office of Online Learning are designed to give online students the best opportunity to succeed, along with advancing the goals and strategies of the university’s Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Plan 2.0.
“These online student support services are crucial for ensuring that all online learners have access to the resources and assistance necessary to thrive in a digital education environment,” said Jason Rhode, associate vice provost for Teaching, Learning, and Digital Education. “These supports help build a sense of community, address student challenges, and enhance overall student success in our online programs.”
Currently, NIU offers nine online undergraduate programs, 13 online certificate programs and 20 online graduate programs in a variety of disciplines. Many courses are eight weeks, instead of 16 weeks, giving online and adult learners flexibility to balance coursework with their daily schedules.
Rhode looks forward to what the future holds for the office, noting its growth and the university’s intentionality of working closely with online and adult learners, to best serve them in their student experience and beyond.
“We’ve certainly built great momentum and growth in our online program offerings, and I’m excited for further developing our online student enrollment and student support capacity.”
Date posted: November 7, 2023 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Leading the way in online learning
Ann works tirelessly, behind the scenes, to make sure HRS is running smoothly. She continues to provide outstanding support to staff and her attention to details ensure projects run smoothly and timely. Thank you for all you do to move the needle.
Date posted: November 5, 2023 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Ann Kenney – Human Resource Services
Dr. Li was among 5 faculty/staff members who collaborated with the NIU Foundation by facilitating and attending an overnight experiential learning “Career Summit” for nearly 50 NIU students, which took place in Chicago, Oct. 22-23, 2023. This included students in her department, as well as students representing the various cultural resource centers and student support programs across campus. With her leadership and support, these students received a behind-the-scenes look into the operations of Hyatt Hotels Corporation; they met with several corporate executives and hotel leaders, and they toured three hotel properties and Hyatt’s corporate office in Chicago. During these two days, Dr. Li supervised our students, helped to usher them between activities throughout Chicago, engaged NIU alumni, and ensured students had everything they needed to engage in Hyatt’s activities. Prior to the event, Dr. Li also offered her expertise and guidance to Hyatt’s leadership in the development of the itinerary and the company’s approaches to inviting and preparing the students for the Summit, which was vital to its success. In addition to making this unique professional development opportunity a reality for our students, her involvement also helped increase engagement with several alumni employed by Hyatt, and strengthened NIU’s partnership with Hyatt, which we hope will become a long-term, holistic corporate partner. Dr. Li demonstrated unwavering commitment to the professional development of these students.
Date posted: November 2, 2023 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Lan Li – College of Business
Human Resource Services is offering new employees an opportunity to get a crash course in Huskie Pride and an introduction to campus.
Launched this fall, the New Employee Huskies Welcome Event is designed to introduce new employees to the history of the university, familiarize them with campus, and help them better understand the benefits that come with working at NIU. Most importantly, the half-day event is designed to help participants understand that they play a role in conducting the university’s primary mission of educating students.
Cathy Doederlein director of Employee Experience.
“We want them to understand that, even if they do not work directly with students, the work that every one of us does helps get students across the stage at graduation,” says Director of Employee Experience Cathy Doederlein. “By helping them understand that we hope it sets the stage for them to come into their role with more passion and energy.”
To help new employees understand their role in that process, the session includes a discussion of topics like the university’s enrollment management plan, its annual goals and its mission, vision and values. “Our goal is to help people understand how they fit into the bigger picture,” says Doederlein.
The sessions also cover a lot of nuts-and-bolts material that helps new employees get settled. There are discussions about benefits — from insurance and tuition waivers to using your One Card as an on-campus debit card to cell phone discounts. There is also a resource fair to introduce them to the full range of employee support services on campus.
Attendees also get a brief history of the university and a little tutoring on what it means to be a Huskie, as well as a virtual tour of campus, which provides some insight into what goes on in various buildings, including which house employee services and where to find hidden gems like restaurants.
Just as importantly, the event is an opportunity for new employees to meet peers from across campus. “It’s a great opportunity to meet others on campus, establish some connections and do a little networking,” says Insurance and Benefits Manager Susan Swegle, who oversees the Leading Employees to Success (LETS) program. That program was launched in 2019 and the welcome session is an outgrowth of those efforts.
Through LETS, new employees and their supervisors receive a weekly email designed to provide useful information and extend the onboarding process. “Onboarding isn’t something that you accomplish in a single online session, or even at a welcome event like this,” says Swegle. “It can take up to a year to get an employee onboarded properly.”
One of the first emails that LETS sends to employees is an invitation to the New Employees Huskie Welcome. It is an invitation that Human Resource Services would like more employees to accept.
“We get wonderful feedback from employees who find the session very useful, and we would like to share that experience with others,” says Swegle, adding that the sessions are currently open to any employees who started on or after July 1.
The next session is scheduled for 8 a.m., Monday, Nov. 13. Participants can receive release time to attend these sessions but should consult with their supervisor first. For more information email LETS@niu.edu.
Date posted: November 1, 2023 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Rolling out the welcome mat for new employees
