The conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd made headlines across the country. Here at Northeastern, President Gloria J. Gibson issued a statement regarding the verdict and called on everyone to work together “to ensure our government enacts the changes and reforms needed to end violence against people of color.” In other news, the 2021 NEIU Libraries Awards for Excellence in Research have been announced, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month and Stress-Free Zone activities wrap up next week, and a number of virtual events, including virtual study sessions, are scheduled. Plus, learn about mindful meditation as a form of self-care. Read about all these things and more in this week’s edition of Noteworthy at Northeastern.
Around the Commons
Justice for George Floyd
On April 21, Northeastern President Gloria J. Gibson issued a statement regarding the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. “The trial has served as a reminder that while these wounds may never heal, we must continue to seek justice for the countless lives that have been taken and communities that have been impacted, both in recent history and over the course of hundreds of years,” Gibson said. She continued, “While this conviction is a step in the right direction, I, like all of you, acknowledge it is a step. It will take all of us, working together, to ensure our government enacts the changes and reforms needed to end violence against people of color.”
2021 NEIU Libraries Awards for Excellence in Research
The NEIU Libraries have announced the winners of the 2021 Awards for Excellence in Research:
- Cassandra Ceballos, graduate student, Biology
- Elizabeth Hanks, graduate student, TESOL
- Mariel E. Portillo Ibanez, undergraduate student, Psychology
- Colleen Touhy, undergraduate student, Psychology
Since 2014, the NEIU Libraries have recognized outstanding student efforts in the area of library-based research through the annual Library Awards for Excellence in Research. The awards are given to students who demonstrate an outstanding ability to identify, locate, select, evaluate and synthesize library resources and to use them in the creation of an original research project. Student award winners receive a cash prize of $300 and recognition for their outstanding efforts. Read more about the students and their projects on the NEIU Libraries blog.
And there’s more!
- The University has extended the Spring 2021 withdrawal deadline to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, May 8.
- Registration for Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 is now open.
- The Northeastern Illinois University Foundation raised more than $8,000 for scholarships during its annual #ProudToBeNEIU Day of Giving, which was held on April 22.
To do
APIDA Heritage Month
The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs invites the University community to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month 2021 by participating in a series of virtual events. This week’s events include:
- APIDA Heritage Month Virtual Book Display, through April 30
- APIDA Heritage Month Workshop: History of Gender-Based Violence in Asian American Communities, 3 p.m. April 27
- APIDA Heritage Month Community Lunch: Food as a Love Language, 1:30 p.m. April 30
To view the complete schedule and sign up for more events, visit the 2021 APIDA Heritage Month website.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Over the past 20 years, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has advanced awareness and prevention of sexual violence. This April, Northeastern’s K(NO)W More project is promoting new efforts to offer support for survivors of sexual violence and students in distress, including the creation of a new online resource, the Red Folder. The goal of this resource is to help individuals recognize indicators of distress, respond appropriately and refer the student for assistance. The Red Folder has a directory of counseling and support resources available to students who are in distress, including a 24-hour emergency hotline.
Upcoming Events
- 17th Mathematical and Statistical Modeling of Complex Systems Workshop, 9 a.m. April 26
- Free Self-Defense Class, 3 p.m. April 26
- Virtual Study Hall for NEIU Students, 6 p.m. April 26
- 17th Mathematical and Statistical Modeling of Complex Systems Workshop, 9 a.m. April 27
- How to Support Mental Wellness of Black Students at NEIU, noon, April 27
- Finals Week Virtual Study Sessions, 5 p.m. April 27
- Virtual Study Hall for NEIU Students, 6 p.m. April 27
- Hip Hop Wellness for Black Students, 6 p.m. April 27
- Percussion Studio Showcase, 7:30 p.m. April 27
- Presentation: “How to Become a Psychologist,” 3 p.m. April 28
- Virtual Study Hall for NEIU Students, 6 p.m. April 28
- Transfer Information Session, 11 a.m. April 29
- 8th Annual Inspiring TriVia: The Sarah L. Hoagland Speaker Series, 3:05 p.m. April 29
- Finals Week Virtual Study Sessions, 4 p.m. April 29
- Virtual Study Hall for NEIU Students, 6 p.m. April 29
In the Media
Instructor of Justice Studies Benneth Lee was part of a panel discussion on WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight” regarding gang violence in Chicago.
Also in the Media
- Professor of Urban Community Studies Lance Williams was interviewed by Crain’s Chicago Business regarding the impact of gun violence and the pandemic in Chicago.
- Patricia Hernandez (current student, Masters of Public Health) made Negocios Now’s 2020 list of Latinos 40 Under 40, which recognizes young Latino leaders in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Student Support Spotlight
Stress-Free Zone
Northeastern students and employees are invited to enjoy Stress-Free Zone activities from 3-4 p.m. every Tuesday in April via Zoom. El Centro, in collaboration with Student Health Services, Student Counseling Services, Campus Recreation and Student Leadership Development, will offer a variety of ways to relax as we come to the end of the semester. This week, participants explored chair yoga.
Upcoming workshops:
- April 27: Self-Care Corner: Pause for Play
Students who attend will have a chance to win prizes at each session and can pick up a self-care package at a later date.
Self-Care: Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation can be a great way to quickly wind down your body and mind. It can help you clear your head and de-stress. Here are some quick videos you may want to add to your daily self-care routine, recommended by Student Counseling Services:
Student Counseling Services has also provided some tips for helping individuals manage anxiety and worry they may be feeling, and listed some important resources. Students are welcome to contact Student Counseling Services to set up an appointment to talk either by phone or their online platform for teletherapy. To access NEIU’s Student Counseling Services, call (773) 442-4650 or send an email to counsect@neiu.edu between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, students may also reach a counselor for more urgent consultation by calling the main number and pressing “2” during the outgoing message.
More resources for students can be found on the Keep Learning website and the COVID-19 Student FAQ page.
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Top photo: Lorie Shaull (Photographer). (2020, June). Mural of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
