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Meet Mission III, NIU’s new four-legged live mascot!

The Huskie family is growing by one small, adorable member.

Meet Mission III, a three-month-old puppy who shares beautiful black-and-white markings and crystalline blue eyes with his mascot siblings, Mission I and II. Mission III comes from premier breeder Debra Debalys, who is based in British Columbia, Canada, and NIU mascot trainer Lisa Boland is very excited to introduce him to the Huskie Nation in the coming months.

“Mission III’s parents have produced beautiful, well-tempered dogs in the past,” said Boland. “I am really excited about the breeder. Her dogs have great temperaments, are champions and love to be with kids.”

Mission III was recommended for this important job because he is brave and already likes trying new things.

“Debra has done extra things with him to make him more social and relaxed in social situations, like introducing him to hats and coats, clanging pans and other loud noises. She really set Mission III up for sound success and interpersonal success in his first few months, and he seems to be such the right dog for the job,” Boland said.

Mission III is friendly with his litter mates and fearless with new experiences, which can be important when a mascot is thrust into the spotlight.

“The other day, he was introduced to a teeter-totter, and he just jumped right on,” Boland said. “This confidence is great because as a mascot he will be asked to do all kinds of unfamiliar things, such as posing at podiums or crowds of people rushing at him. This openness to novel situations is exactly what we would hope for.”

“Plus, he is absolutely adorable and fits all of our mascot criteria, so we are happy to welcome him.”

Mission III will live with Boland, just as the mascots before him have done. While he was officially introduced to the NIU family in January, he will not be ready to be a full-time mascot for at least a year.

“Training a puppy to be a mascot is a longer process,” Boland said. “In a perfect world, my timeline would be two years. Unfortunately, this situation was not expected, and we will hope to speed up that schedule if we can. For now, Mission III will go to specially approved, shorter events on and off campus.”

Much of the next 12 months will include exposure to novel sounds, sights and people.

“I’ll teach him what we do when someone screams with excitement, how to manage crowds, to be comfortable around fireworks, and a wide variety of  mascot-related experiences,” she said. “I will try to turn the idea of unexpected experiences into a positive thing that results in praise and a reward. For past mascots, I brought them to gun ranges to practice for the experience of fireworks at the stadium. I brought them to the Joliet Speedway to expose them to the roar of the crowd and passing cars. We spent time at children’s parks so they were comfortable around kids, and we spent whole days in Chicago getting acclimated to transportation and crowds of all types. I’ll be doing the same things with Mission III in the next year.”

In the meantime, his predecessor Mission II, who is entering early retirement due to his skin and environmental allergies, will be on hand for a small number of media needs. While many fans are sad to see him leave his role, Boland knows this was the right decision for him.

“He does have severe environmental and food allergies, and it manifests in skin issues,” she said. “Mission II is a good dog who has worked very hard in his role. No one could expect this. His health and happiness are everyone’s top priority, and we want to make sure he is happy. As his trainer, I have to listen to the dog and what he is telling me. He should have a happy successful life, even if it’s not as our mascot, and I know he will be happier and more comfortable as a pet.”

Boland personally made the trip to Toronto to pick up her new trainee and can already tell he will be a lot of fun to train.

She added, “Mission III has those striking eyes and a broader mask. His look is fierce and more similar to Mission I’s, but he is also a really playful, fun puppy, like Mission II, so he has elements of both of them in him. I will have fun getting to know him, along with so many Huskie fans.”

Date posted: January 31, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on Mission III joins the Huskie Nation as NIU’s new mascot

Categories: Community Faculty & Staff Homepage Students Uncategorized

Melody, the Chief of Staff for the Dean of the College of Law organizes and implements so much of the work that goes on throughout the law school and much of it is not visible on the surface. She plays many roles and has gone the extra mile in making me feel welcome since I became a new employee in September. She works very well with everyone at the College of Law including alumni and students. She planned our Christmas party which was phenomenal and a great way to begin the holiday. I am sure a lot of work went into that. I don’t think she has been formally recognized but definitely should be. She is invaluable to legal education even though she is not a faculty member.

Date posted: January 29, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on Melody Mitchell

Categories: Applause

Tami works in the ILBOE office at NIU Naperville. She carries the weight of her administrative duties full time and part-time in the evaluation department with me.

I see how she handles a multiple load of phone calls, filing, email, handling transcripts, matching files, making new folders and more.

Tami is a hard worker and I just wanted to let her know that I see it!

Keep up the good work Tami!

Date posted: January 29, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on Tami Anderson – NIU Naperville

Categories: Applause

Collecting and analyzing data is a function found in many facets of today’s world and the study of the Earth and environment is no exception. In order to maintain its strong commitment to teaching, research and preparing future professionals, NIU’s department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment has partnered with Petroleum Experts, Ltd. since 2019 to utilize the full suite of Move software in their research and instructional activities.

Graduate student Garnet Flora-Holmquist uses the Move to interrogate a geological map, cross section and 3-D model of a portion of the Northern Flinders Ranges of South Australia.

The software is designed by geoscientists working in close collaboration with software developers and enables scientists to create viable and admissible geological models. The Move suite provides a platform for integrating and interpreting data, cross-section construction; 3D model building; kinematic restoration and validation, fault and stress analysis as well as geomechanical, fracture and fault response modelling.

“The addition of the Move software suite provides our students and faculty first rate data analysis and modeling capabilities,” said Mark Fischer, professor of geology. “Our ongoing academic licensing agreement with Petroleum Experts ensures that we can continue to offer our students training on state-of-the-art software that is critical to endeavors ranging from oil and gas exploration to CO2 sequestration, waste disposal, and the production of mineral resources that are essential to the green energy transition.”

The software, utilized by faculty as well as graduate/undergraduate students majoring in Geology and Environmental Geosciences, is commonly used in several activities, including:

  • Building 3D models of the subsurface of the Earth, which can be deconstructed to learn how the complex geometries of rock bodies develop over time.
  • Modeling stresses in the Earth so that geoscientists can better understand the mechanics that led to the formation of structures like kilometer and larger scale faults and folds.
  • The 3-D model integrates a published, georeferenced map, a digital elevation model and field data collected by NIU graduate students to reconstruct the shapes of folded strata in the area.

    Integrating surface field data with subsurface data, satellite imagery, and geophysical data like measurements of the Earth’s gravity and magnetic field. These integrated datasets help us constrain and build better models of the subsurface.

  • Predicting where fractures might be found in the subsurface. The locations of these fractures can be very important when it comes to finding oil and gas, as well as mineral deposits and the locations where we might want to dispose of toxic or nuclear waste.

This software adds to the already large suite of laboratory, computer and field equipment maintained by the research-intensive department, whose faculty and students conduct research in locales such as Australia, the Baltics, France, Mexico, Central America, Peru and Spain as well as the United States.

“Our research requires accurate data analysis and modeling. This $3.41 million software donation is of great benefit to our students because they can learn cutting-edge data analysis and visualization techniques on industry-standard software. When they graduate, they are ready to make an immediate impact as well-trained employees.”

Date posted: January 26, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on Software partnership continues to bring data to life for Geoscience students

Categories: Faculty & Staff Homepage Students Uncategorized

Jessica Nunez knows change can be intimidating. However, she also knows sometimes a nudge is what you need to gain new professional experiences. It’s that attitude that has her motivated to begin her role as the 2023 President’s Office Staff Fellow.

Jessica Nunez

The fellowship program began in 2022 to allow an NIU staff member to experience the full spectrum of work in President Lisa Freeman’s office and to develop skills and relationships to enhance their NIU career. Eligible employees submit a letter of interest, a resume and a letter of recommendation from a supervisor to be considered for the role.

Nunez has seen consistent progress during her nine-year NIU career, which she began as a cashier in Campus Parking Services. Taking on added duties in two additional roles, she was then promoted to Coordinator of Parking & Traffic in 2021. Managing a diverse staff with a variety of responsibilities, she helped lead the recent switch to license plate recognition technology for parking permits, which is projected to save NIU more than $200,000 over the next five years.

“My roles within the department have allowed me to understand the intricate processes that are involved and develop a better program overall,” she says. “It’s my job to ensure that Parking’s operations run smoothly, and that changes made to the program are done with the overall mission and vision of the university in mind.”

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s in psychology, Nunez earned an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2022, with a focus on Organizational Leadership. She says she’ll use what she learned in that program to help NIU continue to foster creativity and innovation. “I’m looking forward to helping bring an understanding that departments not always at the foreground of a university experience can still play a positive role in both student and employee lives.”

In the role, Nunez will work closely with Chief of Staff Matt Streb, members of the President’s senior leadership team, the NIU Board of Trustees and departments across the university. Streb is pleased with the first year of the program and says Nunez is well-prepared for the role.

“She’s had experience implementing a campus-wide program and is used to working in an environment that can be stressful,” he says. “She has a great reputation as someone who is collaborative and always is looking to learn.”

Nunez expects the fellowship to be an eye-opening experience.

“Sometimes it’s easy to make assumptions as to how decisions and ideas evolve,” she says. “Being able to have direct insight into some of these decisions will hopefully aid in making me a better leader.”

Is she nervous? Nope. Enthusiastic? For sure.

“I’m excited to get an up close and personal viewpoint of the innerworkings of how a university functions,” she says. “And, I’ll be able to gain unique understanding and perspective from various university leaders.”

Michaela Holtz served as the first President’s Office Staff Fellow in 2022. Now Executive Director for Strategy, Impact & Academic Partnerships in the Division of Student Affairs, she says the experience completely surpassed her expectations.

“It was an excellent opportunity to enhance my skills, gain new perspectives and step out of my comfort zone – reasons I applied for it,” she says. “One of the most exciting aspects of being a staff fellow was interacting and collaborating with colleagues and areas on campus I have not had an opportunity to work with before and probably wouldn’t if it wasn’t for the fellowship.  I am thrilled we are expanding such opportunities for our staff at NIU.”

“Michaela was an exceptional inaugural fellow who was a great addition to our team,” says Streb.” “She set the bar high for future fellows.”

Nunez says Holtz already has given her valuable feedback as she’s transitioned to the new role. “I’m honored to have Michaela as my mentor this year and look forward to absorbing her insight,” she says. “Her largest piece of advice was to not be afraid to ask questions or ask to be involved in different tasks. By the end, I’m hopeful I’ll have a better understanding of what goes into running a university and continue developing as a professional.”

The President’s Staff Office Fellowship is open to all full-time Supportive Professional Staff with rank or Operating Staff with at least three years of leadership experience as a supervisor, in shared governance or other roles.

Date posted: January 26, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on Jessica Nunez, new President’s Office staff fellow, eager to contribute

Categories: Faculty & Staff Homepage Uncategorized

The NIU Concert Choir and NIU Black Choir will have the unique and exciting opportunity to perform on the same stage as music legend Mavis Staples as part of her concert, February 3 at 8 p.m. at DeKalb’s Egyptian Theatre.

A limited number of free tickets are available to NIU students who can pick them up at the Welcome Desk in the Holmes Student Center.

Hailed by NPR as “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace,” Mavis Staples is the kind of once-in-a-generation artist whose impact on music and culture would be difficult to overstate.

She’s both a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; a civil rights icon; a Grammy Award-winner; a chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer; a National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient; and a Kennedy Center honoree.

She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, and sang in Barack Obama’s White House. She’s collaborated with everyone from Prince and Bob Dylan to Arcade Fire and Hozier, blown away countless festival goers from Newport Folk and Glastonbury to Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, performed with The Band at The Last Waltz, and graced the airwaves on Fallon, Colbert, Ellen, Austin City Limits, Jools Holland, the Grammys, and more.

Tickets can be purchased at egyptiantheatre.org.

Date posted: January 26, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on NIU Concert Choir and NIU Black Choir to perform at Mavis Staples concert, Feb. 3

Categories: Arts Faculty & Staff Homepage Students Uncategorized

Katy Jaekel
Katy Jaekel

Katy Jaekel has assumed the role as acting director of NIU’s Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality (CSWGS) through June 30.

Jaekel, an associate professor in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education, has served as a faculty affiliate of the center since 2016. They took on the leadership role following former director Jessica Reyman’s appointment as associate dean in the NIU Graduate School.

“It’s a really cool opportunity to get to work with different offices, different spaces and different faculty that I haven’t had the opportunity to do so before,” Jaekel says.

“My goals are to continue and strengthen some of the partnerships with other campus partners, faculty, staff and students,” they add. “The best part is just touting the really cool stuff we’re doing here. The center is a really cool place, and I think more people should know about it.”

Launched in 1981 by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the center offers a variety of programs, including an undergraduate major, undergraduate minors and certificates, graduate certificates, general education courses and interdisciplinary courses.

Undergraduate programs include bachelor’s degrees in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies along with minors and certificates in LGBT Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies.

Graduate certificates are available in LGBT Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies and Law and Women’s Studies.

Katy Jaekel
Katy Jaekel

Students gain a foundation in the contributions and status of women and LGBTQ+ people; the experiences of LGBTQ+ people; love and sexuality in relationships; the dynamics of sex roles and gender ideals, past and present; and the impact of race, ethnicity, age, social class, sexual orientation, ability and other factors on women’s experiences.

“The center does such critical work around student development, student growth and student learning,” says Jaekel, who arrived at NIU in 2015 to teach courses on diversity, critical multiculturalism and pedagogy.

“This also is an important center as it pertains to presidential goals and the overarching mission of the institution. I also think that we are central, as are our other centers, to the presidential goals around transdisciplinary research,” they add. “It’s just one of those really cool things that we get to actualize what it is that we want to do here at NIU.”

As a faculty affiliate, Jaekel taught CSWGS courses, served on the governance council and participated in center programming.

While their work in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education is paused – “I’m still teaching a course for HESA and still working with my doctoral students,” says Jaekel, recipient of NIU’s 2022-2023 Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award – they are looking forward to a fun semester.

“Our students are amazing. They are just the type of people you want to learn alongside, and being able to be in these classroom spaces with them is just amazing,” they say. “I’d like to learn as much as is humanly possible.”

For more information on the Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality, visit Reavis 103, call 815-753-1038 or email wgs@niu.edu.

Date posted: January 24, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on Katy Jaekel selected as acting director for center on women, gender, sexuality

Categories: Faculty & Staff Homepage

erin_sam_dscf8217_72dpi_op2b

Sam Guerrero and Erin Smith recently joined the NIU Foundation’s corporation and foundation relations team.

Sam Guerrero and Erin Smith recently joined the NIU Foundation’s corporation and foundation relations team.

The NIU Foundation recently welcomed two new members to their team who will collaborate with NIU faculty, staff, and researchers and advance partnerships with corporations and foundations.

Erin Smith joined the Foundation in August as its senior director of corporate and foundation relations, while Guerrero joined the Foundation in September as the director of institutional and regional initiatives. Guerrero’s position is jointly shared with the University’s Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development.

Smith, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in arts administration from Florida State University, came to NIU with more than a decade of experience in fundraising, primarily in corporate and foundation relations for higher education institutions. She was most recently the director of development at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and prior to that, she was director of corporate and foundation relations communications at the University of North Texas.

Smith was drawn to NIU’s collaborative, forward-thinking campus culture.

“I saw lots of impressive transdisciplinary research activity taking place at NIU which I was really excited about,” she said. “In addition, I saw NIU’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The programming showed that the University was very intentional with its efforts with programs, activities and staffing in place to ensure that progress. There were just a lot of great things happening at NIU and I was fortunate to have this opportunity open.”

In her role, Smith collaborates with faculty and staff to strategically pursue charitable grants and corporate gifts in support of research, programs, scholarships and more, and leads the development of mutually-beneficial, holistic industry partnerships.

Smith said she loves the duality of her job.

“We’re out working with companies and foundations to support the University, but we also get to work with faculty and staff to help them translate the great work that they’re doing to broader audiences. We can also help faculty and staff put strategic plans in place for their research or programs. This process makes them competitive when connecting with corporate or foundation opportunities,” she said.

Before joining the NIU Foundation, Guerrero, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Benedictine University, was manager of programming and events at Innovation DuPage. A key member during the organization’s startup and formative years, Guerrero contributed immensely to developing the program offerings for Innovation DuPage’s incubation, acceleration, partnership development, and DEIA initiatives. He was also instrumental in recruiting and supporting more than 80 high-growth potential startups and 120 small businesses. Prior to his involvement at Innovation DuPage, Guerrero was a commercial real estate broker, serving as vice president of Golden Group Real Estate.

After his time at Innovation DuPage, Guerrero looked west for the next step of his career.

“I hit a point where I knew it was time to find a new opportunity, and NIU was the first place that came to mind,” he said.

His position will continue to evolve over time, he said.

“I’m working in the corporate and foundation relations team with Erin. More specifically, I support the Division of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development, and all of the programs that they collaborate on with other parts of the University. Erin and I are also a part of the strategic development team actively helping faculty and staff to surface game-changing ideas institutionally and identifying opportunities to accelerate them,” he said.

According to Smith, the team is reaching out to foundations as well as potential corporate partners.

“We are building relationships with foundations, bringing them to campus to meet with faculty, helping to connect the dots between their funding priorities and the great projects and research initiatives taking place on campus, and getting it to a point where they ultimately invite us to submit an application for grants,” she said.

“On the corporate side, a lot of people think our focus is strictly on philanthropy, but there’s a bigger picture here,” she said. “Companies by and large are wanting a one-stop shop. They want a streamlined relationship with universities. We’re trying to provide that service where we can connect them to resources they need on campus, and we are approaching our corporate partnerships from a holistic model. That is, identifying their needs and finding out how we can assist in a way that is mutually beneficial.”

Smith provided some examples of a holistic corporate partnership.

“For instance, a lot of companies, rather than using a research and development team, might find it more cost effective to contract a research project to NIU. Our students gain experiential learning opportunities, while the companies develop intellectual property. Many companies also want to connect with NIU to recruit interns and/or employees. Or they may have training requirements that we can pair with the appropriate faculty to develop bespoke curricula to meet the company’s educational workforce needs. There are all these different ways that we can partner that ultimately builds up the university as a whole and helps develop those really meaningful holistic partnerships with companies.”

Guerrero said they want the team to serve as connectors between different areas of the University.

“I think it’s really important to foster transdisciplinary collaborations among colleagues within the University,” he said. “There are a lot of people who are working on a number of different projects, and NIU is like a small city. It’s really difficult to know what everyone is doing, so for us, we want to be the connective tissue within the University. We can help faculty identify collaborators among colleagues or community partners and facilitate introductions with those who are working in similar subject matter or with complementary skills. Sometimes even coffee or lunch can lead to the next big thing.”

Guerrero said among the projects he is excited about are the new west campus buildings and how partnerships between the University, corporations and foundations will help take full advantage of the new areas.

“We’re collaborating with campus leadership to figure out what the west campus will look like, and what types of partnerships need to happen within the University, to be able to take us to that next step,” he said. “And then, how will we be able to package those relationships and opportunities to find foundations and corporations willing to support these projects. It’s a new frontier, quite honestly. I am confident that our diverse student body will be the key to our future success. Connecting all these pieces is something I’m looking forward to doing.”

Smith said the west campus could be beneficial for companies, NIU students, and a variety of other players.

“We see it as an opportunity to create a place that is inviting to companies and their employees, but also facilitates research, innovation and experiential learning for our students; and transforms the entire landscape of the DeKalb area,” she said.

Guerrero said the base of knowledge and skills are already out there in the form of faculty, researchers, and students. In helping to form partnerships, the team make those ideas become a reality, quicker.

“It’s really about being able to take everything we already have, all the knowledge and skills and abilities of faculty and staff, and putting them together to  accelerate ideas that are already on the move, to give them the support and resources to make sure they come to fruition,” he said.

Date posted: January 24, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on Erin Smith, Sam Guerrero join NIU Foundation to strengthen university’s partnership with corporations, foundations

Categories: Faculty & Staff Homepage Uncategorized

Rep. Lauren Underwood visited Northern Illinois University Friday, Jan. 20, to celebrate Congressionally directed funding of $1.5 million to the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology for modernization of its Microelectronic Research and Development Lab.

Chief of Staff Matt Streb, President Lisa Freeman, Rep. Lauren Underwood, Vice President of Research and Innovation Partnerships Jerry Blazey and Dean of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Donald Peterson.

The Community Project Funding grant will help transform the college’s existing 4,200 square foot cleanroom lab space into a state-of-the-art fabrication lab dedicated to microchip research, design, workforce development and small business innovation and prototyping, said Dean Donald Petersen.

The improvements will allow faculty and students to focus on three areas of direct relevance to the US economy and national security: microelectronic devices, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and chemical/biological sensors. The lab will support the needs of the local industries through workforce development, training, research, and serve as a valuable resource for high-tech industry start-ups to prototype and test their designs.

“Equipment in this field evolves quickly and is expensive, so we are extremely grateful to Rep. Underwood and Sen. Dick Durbin for their help in securing this funding,” Peterson said. “This funding will ensure that our students continue to graduate prepared to work in an important, strategic industry.”

NIU President Lisa Freeman shared Petersen’s enthusiasm for the opportunities created by the grant.

“Increasing our nation’s capacity to manufacture microchips is crucial to our economy and national security, so we are excited that the federal government has chosen to invest in enhancing our capability to train students for those careers Dr. Freeman said. “This grant will allow us to graduate diverse professionals capable of meeting the needs of the chip industry close to home and across the nation. Moreover, it will allow NIU to support industry partners and regional economic development. We thank Rep. Underwood and Sen. Durbin for all they did to make this possible.”

The significance of the chip industry was underscored during the pandemic. With 75 percent of global chip production in Asia, American industries were left scrambling for chips needed to operate everything from automobiles to household appliances to defense systems. Just this week, the CEO of Intel, one of the world’s largest chip makers, predicted that microchips will influence global politics over the next five decades much as oil has for the last 50 years.

To help address that issue, last fall President Joe Biden signed into law the CHIPS and Science Act, which will provide $52.7 billion through the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Act. It will fund American semiconductor research, development and workforce development.  While the funding for the lab is separate from that bill, it is tied to efforts to reduce American independence on  foreign sources of computer chips.

“I’m proud to deliver over $20 million to fund 15 projects across our community, including $1.5 million for Northern Illinois University,” said Underwood. “We are facing a global shortage of the microchips that power our everyday electronics, and solutions are here at home. This funding is a critical step toward addressing that shortage, supporting microchip research and development, and providing new STEM opportunities for NIU’s student body.”

The upgraded lab will allow NIU to contribute to critical projects of national interest including high speed chips for 5G and 6G technologies, advanced battery technologies and advanced sensor chips for self-driving cars.

The new equipment will be is expected to be operational later this year.

Date posted: January 24, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on Rep. Lauren Underwood joins CEET in celebrating funding for upgrades to its microchip fabrication lab

Categories: Engineering and Engineering Technology Faculty & Staff Homepage Students Uncategorized

Theresa is a joy to work with. She is always available to help offer suggestions and next steps when solving various problems. Theresa consistently goes above and beyond for me and my college. She is always ready to help me and if she can’t, she’ll direct me to the right person. She always keeps me in the loop on all our projects and is super organized. I’ve learned so much from how she approaches her work, I can’t fathom working without her. How she handles herself and communicates with me and my team makes me look forward to coming to work at NIU and continue to solve issues.

Date posted: January 19, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on Theresa Plazewski – Human Resource Services

Categories: Applause

I just want to give a shout out to the building maintenance folks who manage the work orders for heating issues. I came back to campus on Monday and my office in the Music Building was very hot and my thermostat was broken. I submitted the request, and within 4 hours someone came and looked at it and the thermostat was replaces/the issue was fixed the next day. Such wonderful service – I so appreciate that this issue was attended to so quickly and effectively. Thank you!

Date posted: January 19, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on Building Maintenance Office – Facilities Management and Campus Services

Categories: Applause

Avalon String Quartet, ensemble-in-residence in the Northern Illinois University School of Music’s January 27 performance (7 p.m., Recital Hall) will feature music by Joseph Haydn and Johannes Brahms, and the world premiere of a piece for string quartet and narrator by prominent Chicago composer Stacy Garrop.

Garrop’s piece, “For Such a Time as This” is based on the Book of Esther. While the text is religious in nature, the composition is meant to be universal and written from a different perspective on the story, giving a strong voice to the female character.

“For Such a Time as This” features libretto by Jerre Dye with mezzo-soprano/narrator Julia Bentley. Dye is a Chicago-based playwright, opera librettist, director and actor. Bentley is associate professor of voice at the Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana.

The piece was Commissioned by SDG Music Foundation through the Richard G. Gieser Commission Endowment.

Avalon String Quartet
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m., Recital Hall, NIU Music Building
Tickets: $5 adults, $3 students, NIU students free of charge

Avalon String Quartet
Blaise Magnière, violin, Richard O. Ryan Endowed Chair in Violin
Marie Wang, violin
Anthony Devroye, viola
Cheng-Hou Lee, cello

Program

String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 74, No. 3 “Rider”            Joseph Haydn
I. Allegro (non troppo)
II. Largo assai
III. Menuet: Allegretto-Trio
IV. Finale: Allegro con brio

For Such a Time as This                                                       music by Stacy Garrop, libretto by Jerre Dye
I. Vashti is banished
II. Esther is chosen
III. Mordecai’s warning
IV. Haman casts lots
V. Mordecai sends word Interlude
VI. Ester prepares herself
VII. Ester’s request
VIII. The Book of Chronicles
IX. Esther speaks
X. Haman’s defeat Epilogue

with mezzo-soprano/narrator Julia Bentley

INTERMISSION

String Quartet No. 3 in B-flat major, Op. 67                 Johannes Brahms
I. Vivace
II. Andante
III. Agitato: Allegretto non troppo
IV. Poco Allegretto von Variazioni

Program notes

My early experiences with the Book of Esther stem from my childhood, when I would take part in Purim celebrations at my local synagogue. The children would dress up in costume and bring our toy ratchets and rattles. The rabbi would chant the text of the book in Hebrew, shouting out “Haman!” whenever the name came up, at which point all of us children would scream and drown out Haman’s name with our noisemakers. Afterward, we would eat hamantaschen (a three-cornered pastry filled with sweets). Clearly, we enjoyed the holiday as a fun spectacle; I doubt I ever wondered about the deeper significance of the story.

Upon revisiting the story as an adult, I find several striking points. First, women had little or no agency over their lives – Biblical times were a man’s world (Oueen Vashti’s banishment at the beginning of the Book sets this tone immediately). Second, there is no mention of God, meaning that Esther and Mordecai are the agents of change in the story rather than God, though an argument can be made that God had an indirect role in guiding Mordecai’s and Esther’s actions.

Finally, the significance of Esther taking direct action to save the descendants of the House of David can’t be overstated, as God had made an eternal covenant with David to preserve his descendants forever, as well as giving David’s lineage the throne of Israel. Esther not only saved David’s lineage from obliteration, but also preserved God’s promise with the Jewish people.

The question of whether Esther possesses the agency to act is addressed head-on in the biblical story, when Mordecai asks her, “Who knows if you were chosen for such a time as this?” Esther’s weighing of this question is the central dilemma of the story. To add gravitas to this moment, this is the only point that I ask the narrator to sing as Esther ponders the question. Moreover, I find Mordecai’s question can be as applicable to us today as it was to Esther. If Mordecai were to ask each of us if we were chosen for such a time as this, perhaps we might view his query as an invitation to remember that we each possess agency to make changes happen in our lives, to act upon injustices that we see happening around us, and to strive to leave the world a better place than how we found it.

For Such a Time as This was commissioned by SDG Music Foundation, Chicago, IL. Librettist Jerre Dye penned a new narration so that the story is told through Esther’s eyes.

-S.G. (Stacy Garrop)

Date posted: January 19, 2023 | Author: | Comments Off on Avalon String Quartet Jan. 27 performance features a world premiere by Stacy Garrop

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