From the Yucatán Peninsula to Chicago’s neighborhoods, Northeastern Illinois University’s faculty and students continue to make a difference locally and globally. Find out how, plus who’s been in the news and which events to put on your calendar.
Around the Commons
Research in Mexico
Earth Science professors Laura Sanders and Ken Voglesonger recently returned from Mexico, where they studied the groundwater of the Yucatán Peninsula. The unique geology of the Yucatán makes its groundwater particularly vulnerable to contamination. Working with environmental and public health scientists from Northern Illinois University and the Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Sanders and Voglesonger are seeking to develop strategies for protecting the water supplies of cities such as Cancún. They plan to involve NEIU Earth Science students in the research.
Free tax services
Students from Northeastern’s Accounting Club are providing free income tax filing services to the community to assist low- and fixed-income families. The Ladder Up program serves individuals with an annual income of less than $25,000 and families with an income of less than $50,000. Each year from February until mid-April, students complete tax returns for individuals and families on a walk-in basis. The program provides a valuable service for the community while also offering accounting students hands-on, real-world experience. All tax preparations are supervised and approved by faculty of the College of Business and Management.
Website winner
Northeastern’s new website, which launched with a sleeker, more user-friendly look in July 2014, won the people’s choice eduStyle Award for the best homepage. Thanks to all who voted for the Golden Eagles!
And there’s more!
- World Languages and Cultures Chair Paul Schroeder Rodríguez has published his article “Little Red Riding Hood Meets Freud in Lucrecia Martel's Salta Trilogy” in Camera Obscura: Feminism, Culture, and Media Studies.
- English Associate Professor Chielozona Eze earned an honorable mention in the prestigious Zoetrope All-Story Fiction contest.
- Students Gabriela Mata and Claudia Xoy have been selected for the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Undergraduate Fellowship Program.
- Dean of Libraries Carlos Melian will attend the American Libraries Association Midwinter Meeting in Chicago from Jan. 30-Feb. 3.
- Department of Music faculty members are attending the Illinois Music Education Conference through Jan. 31 in Peoria.
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice hosted a mayoral candidates’ forum in the Auditorium on Jan. 29.
- Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies Director Conrad Worrill will participate in a discussion about the history of Black History Month on Jan. 31 at the Center for Contemporary African Art and Culture.
- Cook County Clerk David Orr led a workshop for Northeastern students on Jan. 28 and later tweeted about how much he enjoyed the experience.
In the media
For her father
Linguistics Professor Judith Kaplan-Weinger’s father was featured in the Chicago Tribune after he was awarded the Army medals he earned in World War II. Kaplan-Weinger enlisted the help of U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky to make sure her father received the honors he deserved.
Alum success
The World News and Morocco Gazette reported that Hicham Zerhouni (B.A. ’07 Board of Governors and Political Science; M.A. ’12 Political Science) has been selected as a fellow of the New Leaders Council, a U.S. nonprofit organization that promotes progressive political entrepreneurs. “I am so humbled to have this opportunity,” Zerhouni said.
Also in the media ...
- In These Times quoted Robert Starks, a professor emeritus at the Jacob Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, in a story about jobs competition between African-Americans and Latino immigrants, arguing that the issue is exaggerated.
- The Chicago Tribune highlighted the Jan. 23 Calmus performance among its classical music picks.
- The Daily Herald mentioned Northeastern as one of the few state universities that offers a food program for low-income students.
- QConline.com wrote about Ensemble Español’s week in residence as Quad City Arts visiting artists.
To do
Up next for Jewel Box
Internationally acclaimed Russian music ensemble Trio Voronezh will perform at Northeastern on Friday, Feb. 20. Formed by Vladimir Volokhin, Valerie Petrukhin and Sergei Teleshev, Trio Voronezh produce inventively exciting sounds using Russian folk instruments—domra, bass balalaika and bayan. The Examiner highlighted the concert in its February classical music preview.
Mark your calendar!
- The Benefits of ACA workshop (free), 3 p.m. Feb. 2, Pedroso Center (in collaboration with the Puerto Rican Cultural Center in Humboldt Park)
- Board of Trustees, 1 p.m. (committees) and 2 p.m. (board meeting) Feb. 5, Golden Eagles
- EmpowHERment Group (free), 3 p.m. Feb. 5, Pedroso Center
#FollowFriday
LGBTQA Resource Center
The Pedroso Center’s LGBTQA Resource Center has relaunched its Facebook page! The page focuses on current social, political and academic topics surrounding LGBTQA identities. You can also find updated information about events across campus related to gender and sexuality. Remember, the first step to being a good ally is to be in the know!
Do you have a story tip? Let the public relations office know!
Mike Hines, director of public relations, m-hines@neiu.edu, (773) 442-4240
