COMMENCEMENT 2012

indygrad5-12.indd 1

5/13/12 12:53 AM

Werd Nerd Graduates pose for the cameras at the graduation. Photo courtesy of Tina Garcia

Dear Spring 2012 Graduates, This year has been one of progress, change and inevitability. As the country saw the historical protests of Occupiers who stood on the front lines and demanded retribution for the 99%, students at NEIU learned what the results of an effective protest can be. It is a defining moment in history that we find ourselves in, and you graduates are embarking on a quest which will define the rest of your lives. One of the most important things that I learned this year is that the foundation we lay today will serve as the roadmap to where were going tomorrow. We just have to recognize it as he opportunity that it is. Youve made it through near-

strikes, rallies, the pang of loss, and the fight for economic justice adversely, youve been exposed to a full range of possibilities. Because of your unique experiences on the campus of NEIU, you have been aptly prepared for the next chapter of your lives. Diversity is not just some coined term, used to describe what an institution is its the heart of it all. Because you have been exposed to the vast nature of humanity at NEIU, you are able to understand how to operate in a global community. Its all a matter of utilizing the power of connectedness. Theres always someone that knows somebody that has the information you need right at their fingertips. Its about telling people, no, telling the universe what you need.

As you go off into your prospective jobs, job searches, graduate programs, or even the Peace Corps remember that you are connected to the world around you. Make your mark in a positive way, be the change you want to see, and live everyday as if it is your last. Good luck to you in all of your future endeavors. Dont ever forget the path that you took to get to where you are today. Hopefully, the people whove made a difference in your life and whom youve made a connection with will remain a part of you. May our paths cross again. Ciao! Janean L. Watkins, Editor in Chief

Interested in past issues of Independent? Make sure to check us out online! Just use the QR Code to visit us from your smartphone, or type in:

www.neiuindependent.com

indygrad5-12.indd 2

5/13/12 12:53 AM

Dear 2012 Graduates, First and foremost, congratulations! Your hard work and dedicated efforts earned you that glorious strut across the stage at commencement with all the pomp and circumstance NEIU could incorporate into that blustery day. The mist may have been dampening everyones graduation robes, but spirits were soaring and smiles were radiating warmth everywhere you looked. A special congratulation goes out to all of you who overcame great challenges or endured tests of your faith while striving to get your degree. The strength of your convictions has proven stronger than the trials you had to face, and you made it to the next step. So what now? Is it onward and upward into fulfilling careers or the continuation of your education? Education is an investment in yourself, usually toward the goal of attaining a career in a field you both enjoy and can continue to excel in, while entering the workforce earlier can establish your

Photo by Janean L. Watkins

earning power sooner and decrease your debt faster. Both paths are laudable choices, and one may suit your personal life plans and expectations better than the other. As someone who has tried both approaches, I urge you to consider a third option that can encompass both work and furthering your education - traveling abroad. As the father of progressive education, John Dewey, said Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. Go forth and educate yourself about the world. Get in touch with your heritage and seek out your familial roots. Expose yourself to different ways of life, try new languages, make unusual friends, taste unique foods, and see the sights while you are ambitious and freshly armed with a degree and an open mind. It is easier than ever to find flexible work abroad, whether as an overseas affiliate of a US-based company youd like to work for in the U.S. or as a volunteer through a program such as the Peace Corp. There are also a plethora of student exchange programs that offer graduate level courses, and opportunities to work and live

abroad in an academic capacity. Traveling abroad and immersing yourself in a different culture can teach you volumes about the human experience and enrich your understanding of both the world abroad and the local one waiting for you at home. Even more importantly, adjusting to a different culture can teach you about your own inner strength, adaptability and coping skills. Now is the time to make tracks around the world, before you are too tied down and too deeply invested in your career. So heres a call to the brave ones who toughed it out and are looking for the next great feat to accomplish. I can only hope you continue to move forward and experience new things, test yourself with new challenges and never back down from achieving your goals. To everyone of the 2012 graduating class, I wish the best. Sincerely, Emily N. Haddad - Managing Editor

indygrad5-12.indd 3

ADVERTISEMENT

5/13/12 12:53 AM

Gregg Gibas, Distinguished Alumni

By Andrew Ward Business Manager
He suggests going with a business that doesnt require a lot of start up cash, and if your dream requires cash, find someone to partner with that is interested in getting into that same industry. Gibas suggests looking at businesses that are outside of the norm. Look in trade magazines associated with the type of business youre interested in and read about what people are looking for and what the demands are within these specific industries. If you dont have a ton of money in the beginning, dont worry. There are ways around that. Call businesses that sell products and services similar to yours and offer to bring them customers for a small fee under your business name. You are bound to find companies that will not turn down free profit at the same time youre getting your name out there and making money while doing it, said Gibas. Following this model you will be building relationships with people in the same industry of interest and even if the business fails to take off, you will have gained valuable insight into how companies within the industry operate. When asked to give advice to recent graduates, Gibas added, Anything is negotiable; you dont have to go through obvious channels. Take initiative to call companies and see who will take you on. Gibas says that if he could go back, he wouldnt change his decision to start his own business. While many are hesitant to pursue entrepreneurship because of the risk, Gibas saw opportunity for personal growth and the chance to be free to make his own business decisions. He says that even if his business were to fail, the networking opportunities that have come from the experience would almost certainly lead to a job elsewhere. At the end of the day, being an entrepreneur is not for all of us. As an employer, Gibas has gained a better idea of what businesses are looking for and had a few suggestions when it comes to resume and cover letter writing. He encourages thinking outside of the box when applying for jobs by doing things such as telling an employer that you would be willing to work for free for a couple of weeks so they can determine if they like what you have to offer. He also recommends avoiding certain employment buzzwords on your resume, such as hard worker and reliable, or using on time or multitasking phrases. You should focus on skills you possess that can be incorporated into a resume tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Dont just type up a resume and mail it to fifty employers. Take the time to design your resume and cover letter and consider what each employer is looking for. Make it clear, concise, and dont be afraid to deviate from standard resume format to distinguish yourself. Most importantly, just be yourself. Gibas is a distinguished NEIU alumni and owner of Office Goblins Inc., located in Chicago, IL. He has spoken at various seminars and been a part of several guest panels during Smart Money Week at Northeastern Illinois University over the past two years.

As recent graduates, we begin a new chapter in our lives. For many of us this will include countless revisions of our resumes, hours spent applying for jobs, and dozens of interviews, of which only one is needed to materialize into that long awaited career in our respective fields. Yet, there is another path that some of us may choose to take, but that many of us will overlook - entrepreneurship. This is the exact path that one former NEIU graduate took after receiving his degree in marketing in 2007. Gregg Gibas attended NEIU for four years and, like many students at Northeastern, worked full time while taking classes to pay his way through school. He always had a good idea of what he wanted to do after he graduated, but he was really inspired by his high school AP Economics course to one day be his own boss. While at NEIU, Gibas had some experience with web design, but couldnt necessarily compete with some of the bigger companies who had staffs of web designers to fulfill a companys needs. He had the idea to work as the middle man between businesses that were looking for website designers and the web designers themselves. By doing this, Gibas was able to start a profitable venture with very little start up cash and little to no risk. After graduation, Gibas went on to do similar work for a company, but he quickly grew tired of making money for someone else. He wanted to prove to himself that he could start his own business and be successful. He wanted the perks that come with being an entrepreneur, like the freedom and flexibility to travel and the ability to control his own schedule. Gibas did just that by starting up his own virtual staffing and telemarketing company, Office Goblins, located in Chicago. Some of you recent graduates may not see starting a business as a viable option right out of college. There appear to be many challenges and risks associated with starting your own business, and in many cases there are; but according to Gibas, there are low cost, low risk ways to break into the entrepreneurial world.

Congrats NEIU Graduates!

The Library would like to congratulate all of our Class of 2012 graduates! Your hard work has paid off, and we wish you the best in all your future plans. Did you know that the Library offers services for alumni? NEIU alumni may check out NEIU Library materials, including books and DVDs, if they are NEIU Alumni Association members at the Blue & Gold level or higher. Alumni of NEIU have access to RefWorks, a citation management service, through the Library's subscription.

indygrad5-12.indd 4

5/13/12 12:53 AM

NEIU Spring Commencement 2012

By Gary Soriano - Assistant Arts & Life Editor and Christos Liardakis - Assistant Opinions Editor
On the morning of Saturday May 5, 2012, the subtle off and on drizzle of a chilly morning welcomed a myriad of people from around the city and the world. Some visited the campus for the first time to support their loved ones on this special day, while others were very familiar with NEIUs main campus, having made graduating from NEIU a family tradition. The Northeastern Illinois University Commencement celebration offered a dazzling display of pride, joy, and unswerving support that brightened the overcast day. As guests watched their beloved graduates step out to the traditional tune of Pomp and Circumstance, many parents and siblings were seen drying their eyes. Once all the graduating students had situated themselves, Mark McKernin called the crowd to order. Everyone stood for the National Anthem and were dazzled by the vocal prowess of Alex Makkawy as he sang a splendid rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. President Hahs then introduced the members of the robed platform party presiding over the graduation. Jonathan Stein, representing the NEIU Board of Trustees, greeted the crowd and congratulated the graduating students with his kind and thoughtful words before yielding the stage to Eduardo Bocanegra. Bocanegra, selected as the salutatorian by both the merits of his academics and life experience, spoke eloquently to the graduates about the significance of never giving up and how excellent life lessons can come from difficult times. He reminded the graduates of the importance of perseverance, describing a hard life on Chicagos streets and in jail. Bocanegra cited perseverance and his belief in the possibility of redemption for ultimately arriving with all the rest of the students in their caps and gowns, a proud graduate of NEIU. Once Bocanegra finished his speech, President Hahs graced the graduates with

a few words of advice and wisdom; to always be ethical and honest in all future endeavors, to give back to the community, and to always go above and beyond the call of duty. President Hahs then presented Dean Duster with the Legacy Award and appointed her Assistant Professor Emerita. Dean Duster accepted the award graciously and proceeded to regale the crowd with an incredibly uplifting congratulatory speech. She reinforced the principals and merits of hard work and community-minded ethics. Acting Provost Victoria Roman-Lagunas then presented the Bernard Brommel Distinguished Research Professor award to Zachary Schiffman, Professor of History. President Hahs then presented the emeriti scrolls to professors Anna Antaramian, Debra Bruce, Murrell J. H. Duster, Diane Ehrlich, Suzanne Gaskins, Nan Giblin, Sarah Lucia Hoagland, Sandra Hunt, Phyllis Hurt, Elizabeth Landerholm, Richard E. Neapolitan, Beverly Otto, Anil Pandya, Jane Peller, Rakesh Rustagi, Allen N. Shub, Susan Stall, Robert T. Starks, and Edward Stuart. Melba Rodriguez then mounted the stage and proceeded to explain the tradition of a class gift from the graduates to NEIU, and presented the gift to President Hahs. The moment then came for tassels to be switched from the right to the left, as it was time for the graduates to officially

graduate. The number of guest attendees overwhelmed the stands and flowed out onto the grass of the quad. Everyone was sharply dressed, and the excitement was palpable. Families eagerly waited to hear a familiar name and witness those they came to see cross the stage to accept their respective degrees and be honored by their academic community. With President Hahs presiding majestically over the conferral of degrees, the crowd was requested to hold their applause and vocal congratulations for the graduates until everyones names had been called, but the excitement proved too great for some. There were exuberant shouts of triumph, cheers of joy and many tears shed by students and spectators alike as graduates took their stroll across the stage and were congratulated by President Hahs herself. After every robed student had officially become a graduate, President Hahs recognized the faculty for their hard work and dedication. Mark McKernin then closed the ceremony, offering a final heartfelt congratulation to the class of 2012. The enthralling ceremony no doubt motivated other undergraduates present to finish their degrees and thus join the thousands of alumni that have crossed the stage to become proud graduates of NEIU.

indygrad5-12.indd 5

5/13/12 12:53 AM

Photo by Janean L. Watkins

Photos by Janean L. Watkins

For the 2012 Graduates of NEIU

By Sarah Lucia Hoagland Professor Emerita
ne of the concepts used to describe Northeastern is diversity. Yet there remains significant segregation here: in the classroom, in the cafeteria, at events. And too often, marginalized students are put on the spot in various ways. So there is a danger of diversity being a buzz word, a new abstract universal that involves welcoming students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds in order to homogenize us through academic disciplining. I want to suggest that we embrace diversity as a practice, as a way of being in the world. Modern Western philosophy tends to portray us as isolated individuals, capable of being anywhere and hence being nowhere in particular. Instead, I use an Aymara concept of utcatha to suggest that where we come from fertilizes us, gives us the ground of our being. And with that grounding, together with having the privilege of being at Northeastern, we are also crossing borders, living in more than one cultural context- living on the hyphen. Argentinean philosopher Walter Mignolo offers the concept of bi-languaging as living in more than one language, more than one form of life in our trans-national world. It is living between languages, it is a

practice of diversity, a practice of resisting homogenization, resisting the systematic education of colonial and imperial administration or of national-state builders or of corporate framing of our meanings: these are systems in which violence is instilled by the agencies of economic, linguistic, and religious or cultural domination. Love is the necessary corrective to the violence of systems of control and oppression. (Local Histories/Global Designs) So here are a few suggestions for practicing diversity: Continue traveling to different worlds. Learn to negotiate them and engage their inhabitants. Everyone at Northeastern knows how to travel and negotiate different worlds. For example, between campus, home, and work. Everyone has this ability, this virtue (in Aristotles sense). I am suggesting we consciously use this ability to travel to others worlds. Always nurture a critical consciousness, particularly in relation to dominant social and political orderings. Recognize that there is more than one meaningful framework in the world. Use your intellect and passion to develop your ability to understand those that are marginalized by mainstream discourse. Let go,

not of your beliefs, but your disbelief. Dont be entranced by the big things. Work at street level, everyday level, in consideration of those who accompany you to affect your environment. And let them affect youa flower here, a critique there, a word of praise. . . Also keep in mind that someone challenging the norm, while possibly making you uncomfortable, is offering a gift, is being generous. And always know, even though none of us can individually stop injustice, especially racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, among other oppressions, that where you choose to walk and speak out makes a difference. It affects those around you. It changes the energy of the surrounding environment. In this way, things dont continue exactly the same, as if youve never existed. Finally, it is critical to embrace creative theorizing and to find the self-respect inside that emerges from the fires lit by love. I dont mean for you to go into a rage and burn up, I mean for you to find the theorizing and activism that love and rage make possiblethe fires of the heath, the fires of the hearth, the fires of the heart. Thank you to my students over the years for your work and for your fire.

indygrad5-12.indd 6

5/13/12 12:53 AM

Dean Murrell J. Higgins-Duster: Trailblazer Leaves Her Legacy

life comes from them as role models. Her mothers community work instilled in her a sense of pride and empathy for those who are less fortunate, or for those who might just need a helping hand. In some ways, the fight to preserve the rights of people permeates my family, said Duster. Dean Duster hails from Chicagos south side. She attended public and parochial schools before moving on to Roosevelt University, Loyola University, and the Ericsson Institute. She began her service to the university as a Professor in the College of Education. After a few years, she was told by her superior, Professor Duster, you cant just teach youve got to be involved, so she did. Dean Duster developed a freshmen seminar modeled after the John Gardner program. It was an effort that was executed with minimal financial support. Within this program, the university was able to offer a summer transition program, which provided carfare, opportunities for freshmen to build community, and because Dean Duster knew that it was integral to academic support, they offered six credit hours to incoming freshmen. The newer model of the Freshmen Year Experience program has changed quite a bit since her time. When asked where she would like to see the university in five years, Dean Duster said that she hoped the university as a whole will begin to realize its possibilities. I hope that they continue to prepare students to live and work in society, and to look at the importance of addressing their needs individually, said Duster. In all the years that Dean Duster has been actively engaged in the campus community, one of her biggest points of pride is the establishment and accomplishments of the Angelina Pedroso Center for Intercultural

By Janean L. Watkins Editor In Chief

Affairs. Were not doing enough for some groups of individuals, said Duster, character development is essential for everyone, and that is something that were able to address here. The programs we provide are to enrich the lives of our students. Just because Dean Duster wont be at the school doesnt mean her work wont continue. She is a member of many boards of directors, where her ideals and sense of community will continue to make an impact on the world. She is hoping to dedicate more time to her appointments on the boards of the DuSable Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, the Rush Medical center, The Links Inc., the University of Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Illinois Committee of Black Concerns in Higher Education. Dean Duster has high hopes for the future of all NEIU graduates, you must have a creative sense of wanting to give. Students represent the future of this world. If we dont engender you with the importance of humanity, human rights and social justice as a means of empowering diversity well lose this world, Duster said.

Photos by Janean L. Watkins

s the descendant of the great Ida B. Well-Barnett, one wouldnt expect for Dean Duster to be such a softspoken person. But the proof of the legacy left to her shines brightly in her actions. After 35 years of service to Northeastern Illinois University, and its student population, Dean Duster will retire at the end of May 2012. Graduates were graced with a speech that as Melissa McGlynn, Political Science graduate said was, motivational and inspiring. Truly words so many of us needed to hear. Such a shame to think that such an amazing woman was a resource for so many semesters and I never took up the opportunity to learn more from her. Dean Duster is most highly recognized as the Vice President of the Angelina Pedroso Center for Intercultural Affairs at Northeastern Illinois University, though her presence in the university can be seen in many of its institutions. She admits to being awestruck at receiving recognition from President Hahs in the spring 2012 commencement ceremony. She was appointed Assistant Professor Emerita and awarded the Legacy Award for her outstanding commitment and distinguished service. Dean Duster is the daughter of a Northwestern educated mother, and a father who went only as far as the eighth grade. My mother worked with the community all of her life, and she always dealt with diverse issues. My father though he only held an eighth grade education, knew the world, said Duster. The balance in her

indygrad5-12.indd 7

5/13/12 12:53 AM

8
I want to thank the English department for supporting me through my journey in getting my degree. Sherylin M. Maddex, B.A. English Im so happy right now. I really love this school because its really diverse and I love my professors - they really helped me. Ha Vu Truc Le, B.A. Marketing (Cum Laude)

Ive learned so much from everyone and I'm looking forward to graduate school and I know that the stuff that I learned here is really gonna help me out in the future. Sylvia M. Orellana, B.A. Anthropology (Summa Cum Laude)

The teachers were very supportive. I came here because I like the environment. The school celebrates diversity and Im happy with my whole experience here. Marco Gasca, B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies, Social Work, (Summa Cum Laude)

Photo by Emily N. Haddad

The Social Work department helped me a lot. It was great. My internship helped me a lot and now Im going to graduate school.... Yesenia Garcia, B.A. Social Work (Cum Laude)

Thank you so much for your support and giving me all the opportunities that you could give me. I know Ill be successful because of you all. Thank you. Joanna Parys, B.A. Psychology (Cum Laude)

indygrad5-12.indd 8

5/13/12 12:53 AM

9
I would really like to say thank you to our Social Work department and the students themselves that graduated with me. We really bonded and they felt like a second family to me and I am really going to miss each and every single person that I came into contact with. Gabriela Rangel, B.A. Social Work (Sci Alpha Honors Society for Social Work) My classmates, I learned a lot from them. Its a very diverse classroom and that there is an education in itself to always have people from different parts of the globe give their opinion and you get a new, a different angle, a different point of view rather than just the American view. I learned from my fellow students. William Zentner, M.A. Political Science

Im just happy to finally graduate and move on the next step. Jessica D. Robinson, B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies

There are some teachers to whom I will forever remain thankful because of their participation and building my understanding towards computer science. They are just excellent teachers. Asad Ali Zaidi, B.A. Computer Science (Cum Laude)

Photo by Emily N. Haddad

The political science department really helped me to build myself as an academic. It's really helped to fortify my intellectual foundation and the whole school, the whole institution has just been a great place. Jason Mattox, B.A Political Science

I absolutely loved the Psychology department. They were awesome and very helpful. The school has excellent professors in general and I plan to continue here with my graduate program in counseling so Im going to be back. So thats how much I loved it. Gina Andrea Alvarez, B.A. Psychology

indygrad5-12.indd 9

5/13/12 12:53 AM

10

Graphic by Nicholas Joly

indygrad5-12.indd 10

5/13/12 12:53 AM

Eduardo Bocanegra Speaks of Challenges Past and Future Hopes

he is a role model for all NEIU students. Eddie works with the Community Renewal Society, an organization that has been around for 130 years. He specializes in assisting parishes organize and develop by helping them grow their own leaders, and providing them with the resources they need to do so. Eddie is also working to get the House Bill HB5723 passed. This would give non-violent ex-offenders a better chance for employment. HB5723 will not erase the records, but will seal them so that records are not used against nonviolent ex-offenders when looking for employment. Eddie also works with the Irving Youth Trauma Center where he evaluates and develops programs for troubled youth. Eddie believes the most important work he can do is helping people help themselves. Everything I do deals with how to help people recovering from trauma, help them restart their lives, Eddie said. I have a cap and gown now but I have also been

By Lluvia Carrisoza - Visual Media Editor

11

to prison, said Eddie, speaking of his own journey of recovery. We all have different paradigms, and the idea is for us to grow from our experiences and not judge others by their past. As students and graduates, we mean more than a cap and gown, beyond that, we all have a story.

Eduardo Bocanegra was chosen to be the commencement speaker at the NEIU May 5, 2012, because of his academic achievements as well as his life achievements. He was chosen to speak because he symbolizes the struggle many students face - to improve life through hard work and education. Eddie, as most people know him, previously lived a life that landed him in prison but was able to turn his life around and learn from his experiences. He started going to school and working for the community. Now armed with a degree,

Eddie stands with his mentor, Francisco Gaytan after the graduation.

Professor Richard Grossman, History Department

By Janean L. Watkins Editor in Chief
Photo by Janean L. Watkins

As a professor who has dedicated the majority of his career to researching the Nicaraguan Revolution and its effects Professor Grossman knows quite a bit about the human condition and doing what it takes to defend the rights of others. Grossman describes himself as a union activist who is overworked and underpaid. He admits to enjoying the stereotypical research writing, as most professors do, but also watching

junky television, and spending time with his wife Denise. Professor Grossman shares his knowledge with students all over the city, at schools such as Columbia College, DePaul, and Roosevelt; but he states emphatically that NEIU students are his favorite. I really like teaching at NEIU. The students here are the most interesting and diverse that Ive encountered. I find that to be stimulating intellectually and also emotionally. I generally feel very attached to most of my students. Im the first generation to go to college so I relate to many of my students at NEIU, said Grossman. As a member of the faculty senate, Professor Grossman also helps to advocate for the rights of NEIUs faculty. He showcases in his daily actions how one can find ways to help their fellow man, regardless of how busy you are. Professor Richard Grossmans advice to NEIU graduates is simple, Everyone knows its really tough out there right now. I suggest if you made it through NEIU working, going to school,

[taking care of] family, you will succeed in life if you can succeed in NEIU and actually graduate, you can succeed anywhere. It may be difficult, but youve been through difficult times. You will succeed.

indygrad5-12.indd 11

5/13/12 12:53 AM

12

ADLER.
Graduate Degrees in Psychology + Counseling

FOR SOCIAL CHANGE.

The Adler School is founded on an important idea: Our health resides in our community life and connections. This is what drives our ground-breaking curricula and commitment to social change.

OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, June 12 10:30am-12:30pm RSVP 312.662.4100

We work with those courageous enough to want to change the world. Our masters and doctoral degrees prepare students with the theory and practice to become agents of social change. The Adler School Leading Social Change. Apply today.

adler.edu

ADVERTISEMENT

Adler School of Professional Psychology 17 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60602

Scan to RSVP

indygrad5-12.indd 12

5/13/12 12:53 AM

13

The Northeastern Illinois University Foundation invites you to...

CH

K KA UC

Monday, August 20, 2012

Highland Park Country Club 1201 Park Avenue West Highland Park, IL

1972
ME
M

2012
G

Supporting a good cause, in memory of a good man.

Register online at: www.neiu.edu/kane

IA

L GOLF

Since 1972, Chuck Kane Memorial Scholarships have provided over 100 NEIU students with greatly needed scholarships. Join us to have fun and to keep supporting NEIU students in financial need.

DAY INCLUDES:
Chance to win a one-year auto lease from Rosen Nissan in our Hole-in-One contest Silent auction featuring many exciting items Awards for all top foursomes Box lunch, Cocktail Hour, and Dinner

DONT MISS IT!

ADVERTISEMENT

Our dinner program will feature prizes and awards, a silent auction and remarks by Chicago columnist, radio and television personality, David Kaplan. Kaplan hosts Chicago Tribune Live, on Comcast SportsNet. Kaplan co-authored the award winning Around Town column in the Chicago Tribune and is the pre and postgame host for CSNs Chicago Cubs broadcasts. Kaplan co-hosts WGN Radios Sports Night, which airs weeknights.

The Kane Memorial Golf Outing is generously sponsored in part by:

www.snowsystems.com

T
U

IN

Melba Rodriguez and Angela Salas

NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

President Sharon K. Hahs and Billy G. Hahs

F O U N D A T I O N
5500 NORTH ST. LOUIS AVENUE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60625-4699

Hinsdale Travel Service, Inc

William D. Pollakov

indygrad5-12.indd 13

5/13/12 12:53 AM

14
Werd Nerds Phi Theta Kappa Feminist Activist Black Caucus Greek Orgs

STOLES

Summa Laude - Gold - 3.9-4.0 Magna Laude - Silver - 3.75-3.89 Cum Laude - Bronze - 3.5-3.74 *~*~*~*~* Military Veterans - Red/White/Blue Cord Sigma Alpha Pi - White Cord

HONORS

CLICK.

ORDER.

EAT .
FREAKY FAST DELIVERY!
ADVERTISEMENT
indygrad5-12.indd 14

2011 JIMMY JOHNS FRANCHISE, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

5/13/12 12:53 AM

The staff and tutors of the Learning Support Center would like to congratulate the following graduating tutors on their achievements and wish them all the best in their future endeavors: *Ariana Bancu Palazzolo M.A., Linguistics * Bryan Brady M.A., History (Corps Member, Teach for America, Las Vegas) * Elizabeth Gammel B.S., Earth Science (accepted in a fully-funded PhD program at Loyola University) * Kirsten Kilponen B.A., Art & Philosophy * Kelsey Nordine B.A., Anthropology (accepted in a fully-funded PhD program at Washington University, St. Louis) * Maria Palazzolo M.A., English Composition * Hemal K. Punjabi B.S., Biology/Premed * Ian Randall M.A., TESOL * Matthew Reardon B.A., Economics & Philosophy * Anna Roguska M.A., Political Science * Niraj Shrestha M.S., Biology

15

Our tutors hard work and commitment to student success have left a permanent mark in our students lives. We admire your continuous dedication and are positive that you will achieve great things! Congratulations!

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Department of Music, we congratulate you on your recent graduation. Please stay in touch and let us know about your future accomplishments. It has been a pleasure to have you in our department! Sincerely, R. Shayne Cofer, Chair Department of Music Student Disabilities Services Extends Congratulations To Our Spring 2012 Graduates!

Congratulations graduates. The staff of the Student Health Services wish you success and happiness in the future! Congratulations to Earth Science graduates Elizabeth Gammel and Justin Mackey! All the best! - Earth Science Department
The Office of Student Leadership Development would like to congratulate our student leaders on the achievement of graduation. Whether you were in Student Government, NPB, WZRD, Que Ondee Sola, the Independent, SEEDS, or participated in LEAD programs, student organizations or Greek Life you have added variety to the life of NEIU. We hope your time with us has prepared you for whatever the world holds for you. We wish you luck in your future endeavors! All the best, Sharron, Veronica, Tasha, Ian, Cecily, Lakena, & Damita

Hey, English Majors and Secondary Education Majors, The English Department faculty wants to congratulate you on your graduation and to wish you the very best in your future endeavors. We hope we have given you valuable skills and broader perspectives with which to approach, understand, and transform the world. We take heart in knowing that the planet is a better and more humane place for having you out there working as a humanizing force and bringing to bear the full heft of your intellects and imaginations in solving problems, improving lives, and creating joy. Your study and practice in the fields of literature, culture, and writing prepares you to make this kind of impact. Above all, we are grateful for having known you and taken part in your education and for all you have done for us and other students in making the department a great place to live and learn. Thanks for making the English Department the most vibrant and intellectually exciting community on campus! Please keep in touch, let us know where your life takes you, and let us know what we can do for you! All the best, the English Department Faculty and staff in the Department of Geography & Environmental Studies congratulate the May 2012 graduates receiving a B.A. in Environmental Studies, a B.A. in Geography, or an M.A. in Geography & Environmental Studies. Very best wishes for your next endeavor, and may it be as successful as this one. Please stay in touch with your faculty and with the Department, and remember we may be able to help you. Sign up for the Alumni mailing list on the web page (though you may have to unsubscribe first), find us on Facebook, look for news on the web page, and let us know when exciting things happen. Do well! Do well! And best of luck! The Department of Educational Inquiry & Curriculum Studies congratulates the Class of 2012. As you embark on your future roles in education, we share a sense of hopefulness that you will continue to seek out ways to be reflective, collaborative, and transformative.

indygrad5-12.indd 15

5/13/12 12:53 AM

16

Photos by Janean L. Watkins, Lluvia Carrisoza, & Emily N. Haddad

indygrad5-12.indd 16

5/13/12 12:53 AM