Environmental Studies | North Central College

North Central College biology alumna featured for work with Indiana DNR

Biology alumna Jenny Orsburn works as a program specialist for the Lake Michigan Coastal Program of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Jenny (Kintzele) Orsburn, who earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from North Central College in 2001, works as a program specialist for the Lake Michigan Coastal Program of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Orsburn’s work recently was featured in the (Michigan City, Ind.) News-Dispatch.

North Central College biology alumna making career in avian research

Dana Ripper, a 1998 biology alumna of North Central College, is making a career of avian research, conservation and education.

The Naperville Sun recently featured Ripper and her work with the Missouri River Bird Observatory, an organization she co-founded.

North Central College’s Res/Rec Center achieves LEED Silver Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council awarded LEED Silver Certification to North Central’s innovative and environmentally friendly Residence Hall/Recreation Center.

Sept. 7, 2011—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded LEED Silver Certification to North Central College’s innovative and environmentally friendly Residence Hall/Recreation Center (Res/Rec).

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

Stephanie Chennell

When Stephanie Chennell came to North Central, she found that learning does not stop in the classroom.

“You can pursue your interests through campus organizations such as Green Scene,” Stephanie says. “In class, you learn all about the environment and what you can do to better the future, but Green Scene gives you the opportunity to put those thoughts into action.”

As a sophomore, Stephanie studied environmental issues at the University of Dundee in Scotland.

“Studying abroad opens your eyes in a way that can’t happen in a classroom and provides you an opportunity to get to know yourself on a completely different level,” Stephanie says.

Stephanie graduated from North Central in June 2011 and is working toward a master’s degree in environmental policy at Bard College in upstate New York.

Throughout her four years at North Central, Stephanie enjoyed the advantages of small classes and personal contact with professors and peers. “When graduation rolls around you know the connections you have made at North Central will last a lifetime,” she says.

Students’ outdoor assignment for environmental studies class changes their view

Students in the Environmental Studies 120, People and Nature class, tend campus garden and landscaping as part of class work and learn more than gardening.

Two columns of rectangular black plots of dirt along the pedestrian spine produce a variety of vegetables the campus community can eat at Kaufman Dining Hall.

Several students have helped tend these plots as part of Environmental Studies 120, People and Nature, taught by Martha Bohrer (photo, below), associate professor of English.

Princeton Review names North Central College among ‘311 Green Colleges’

The Princeton Review has named North Central College as among the most environmentally responsible colleges in North America.

April 22, 2011—The Princeton Review has named North Central College among the most environmentally responsible colleges in North America.

The education services company in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) selected North Central College for inclusion in the second annual edition of “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 311 Green Colleges: 2011 Edition.”

North Central College among first in state to seek gold under new Sustainability Compact

North Central College is pledging to achieve the state’s highest recognition for energy-saving and environmentally friendly initiatives.

April 20, 2011—North Central College is pledging to achieve the state’s highest recognition for energy-saving and environmentally friendly initiatives by being among the first institutions of higher education in Illinois to seek gold status under a new Sustainability Compact.

College President Harold R. Wilde signed the compact April 18, saying the pledge is a fitting part of North Central’s yearlong celebration of its Sesquicentennial.

College hosts three speakers during April

Guest speakers give talks in April on comparisons between New Orleans and Chicago, adventures along the Appalachian Trail, and bicycling advocacy.

Contact: Nancy Dunker, associate director of public relations, 630-637-5306

March 15, 2011—North Central College has invited three speakers to campus in April to give talks on various topics. All lectures are free and open to the public.

Record number of students to present at national research conference

A record 38 students from various academic areas will represent North Central at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research this spring.

Contact: Nancy Dunker, associate director of public relations, 630-637-5306

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (Jan. 31, 2011)—For the second year, a record number of North Central College students have been chosen to participate in the nation’s leading conference on undergraduate research.

D-Term courses take students around the globe

In December, students take advantage of life-changing study abroad opportunities.

Jan. 24, 2011—North Central College’s trimester format offers students a break from regular classes between Thanksgiving and the new year. During December—or D-Term—students can take advantage of North Central’s study abroad opportunities.