Meet our friendly, professional staff!

(773) 442-4630
suecs@neiu.edu
https://www.facebook.com/NEIUStudentUnion
Student Union, Events, and Conference Services
Kyle Burke
Kyle
E.
Burke
Executive Director, Student Auxiliary Services
Student Union, Events, and Conference Services
Phone
(773) 442-4630
ke-burke@neiu.edu
Expertise
Responsible for the overall leadership of the Student Union, Event and Conference Services department and team. Provides oversight of operations for the Student Union, campus-wide event scheduling/planning/facilitation, Private Rental Program, Fine Arts Performance Venues, Welcome Desk, U-Pass, NEIU IDs, Box Office, Dining & Catering Services, Follett Bookstore, and the NEIU Ride With Uber program. Also serves as chair of the NEIU Commencement Planning Committee.
Education

M.A. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education, Northeastern Illinois University

B.A. in Arts, Entertainment and Media Management, Columbia College Chicago

Background

Previously worked for Steppenwolf Theatre Company and for the City of Chicago as the Manager of Programming and Sponsorships at Millennium Park. Has been at Northeastern since 2009.

​

ke-burke@neiu.edu

SU 207
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Phone
(773) 442-4630
Office Hours
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Ernie Kimlin
Ernie
Kimlin
Associate Director
Student Union, Events, and Conference Services
Phone
(773) 442-4635
e-kimlin@neiu.edu
Expertise
Assist in the planning and coordination of campus events. Co-Chair spring and fall Commencement ceremonies.
Education

B.A. Communications, State University of New York - College at Geneseo '96
M.A. Higher Education & Student Affairs, Indiana University '00

Background

Over 15 years experience in Higher Education and Student Affairs in areas including Student Activities, Union Event Planning, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Leadership, Residence Life and Student Conduct.

e-kimlin@neiu.edu

SU 207
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Phone
(773) 442-4635
Office Hours
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Kevin M. Gunnerson
Kevin
M.
Gunnerson
Assistant Director of Student Union & Information Services
Student Union, Events, and Conference Services
Phone
(773) 442-4634
kmgunnerson@neiu.edu
Expertise
Oversee the daily operations of the Student Union and the Welcome Center & Box Office.
Education

B.A. in English, Creative Writing, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

M.F.A. in Creative Writing, Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University

Background

A cumulative 20 years of professional experience in higher education, arts organizations and independent small businesses, focusing on facility operations, events planning and production. 

kmgunnerson@neiu.edu
Phone
(773) 442-4634
Office Hours
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Steven Magro
Steven
Magro
Technical Director
Student Union, Events, and Conference Services
Phone
(773) 442-4621
stmagro@neiu.edu
Expertise
Coordinate and set-up of all event and conference related technical resources.
Education

B.F.A., Design and Technical Theatre, University of Connecticut

Background

Over five years experience as a professional sound designer, as well as four years experience in an educational setting as a technician and Technical Director. 

stmagro@neiu.edu

5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Phone
(773) 442-4621
Office Hours
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Curriculum Vitae
0641246_0.pdf151.75 KB
Charlene Jefferson-Johnson
Charlene
Jefferson-Johnson
Manager of Special Events & Conferences
Student Union, Events, and Conference Services
Phone
(773) 442-4633
c-jeffersonjohnson@neiu.edu
Expertise
Prior to coming to Northeastern Illinois Charlene was the Program Coordinator for the Computer Science and Electrical Engineering department at Northwestern University in Evanston IL for 6 years where she supported 29 professors. Prior to working for Northwestern Charlene worked as a Conference service Planner at Eaglewood Resort and Spa while also working for the National Black MBA Association as a contracted Events and Corporate partner liaison before joining the National Black MBA team permanently in 2010.

Charlene began her event planning career in 1996 where she was part of the Events logistic- Trade show design team for TY Inc.(The Beanie Baby company) located in Westmont Il.
Education

Charlene's education includes:

  • B.A. of Business Administration (Marketing) - Jackson State University
  • B.A. in Hospitality and Tourism Management(Special Events) - Roosevelt University
  • Certified Event and Conference Service Specialist - Roosevelt University
  • Certified Wedding and Special Events Specialist - Triton College

She is currently pursuing an M.B.A. in Event Management and Logistics at DeVry University.

Background

Charlene is the owner and lead designer for C2Detail Events and Concierge Services. She is a wife of 27 years to Willie Johnson, and mother to Shamaine, Darien, Devin and Caimaia.

c-jeffersonjohnson@neiu.edu

5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Phone
(773) 442-4633
Office Hours
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Chaelecia Cooper
Chaelecia
Y
Cooper
Space Administrator II
Student Union, Events, and Conference Services
Phone
(773) 442-4630
c-cooper@neiu.edu
Expertise
Event Planner/Scheduler with 15 years of experience
Education

B.A Board of Governors, double Minor in Sociology and Criminal Justice, NEIU '05

Background

Working on a Masters at NEIU in Inner City Studies

c-cooper@neiu.edu

Student Union, SU207
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Phone
(773) 442-4630
Office Hours
Contact the main office for details or if you need assistance
Davor Palos
Davor
Palos
Special Events Facilitator
Student Union, Events, and Conference Services
Phone
773-442-4613
d-palos@neiu.edu
Expertise
Produces quality event productions Arranges food and beverage, orders supplies and audiovisual equipment, and ensures appropriate décor for each event Designs some media publicity including posters, flyers, shirts, TV ads and banners. Creates some event videos.
Education

Northeastern University - Bachelors of Arts in Music (Vocal Performance and Guitar) Minor in Philosophy

Pursuing Master’s Degree in Communication, Media and Theater

 

Background

Multi-lingual: fluent in Bosnian or Serbo-Croatian and English.

Skilled in Photoshop, Adobe Indesign and Premier Pro.

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

MUSIC SKILLS

Singing: Baritone. Chorus and Solo Singing

Instruments: Versatile Guitarist, Ukulele, Bass and Basic Piano Skills.

d-palos@neiu.edu

SU 207
5500 N. St. Louis
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Phone
773-442-4613
Office Hours
8:30-4:30
Jose Aguinaga
Jose
Aguinaga
Building Services Sub-foreman
Student Union, Events, and Conference Services
Phone
773-442-4630
suecs@neiu.edu
Expertise
Facilitates the daily operation of our department, including event/room setup, technology, and support.
Education

BA Justice Studies, NEIU 2011

suecs@neiu.edu

Northeastern Illinois University
5500 N. St. Louis
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Phone
773-442-4630
Office Hours
Main office, 8am - 8pm