Philosophy | North Central College

North Central College alumnus shares wisdom, expertise on video game development

Computer science professor Stephen Renk, left, and Ross Przybylski '05.

Alumnus Ross Przybylski spoke to interactive media studies students and community members about his experience developing video games.

May 4, 2012—You can accomplish just about anything you can imagine if you try hard enough, entrepreneur and video game developer Ross Przybylski told an audience at North Central College.

Przybylski, a 2005 graduate of North Central College, hosted the April 25 presentation, “How To Become Your Own Game Developer With Adobe Flash.” He told the audience of students and community members how he used Adobe Flash to develop the game “Hero Mages,” a cross-platform, multiplayer Web and mobile game.

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North Central hosts 2012 Blue Key National Conference

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More than 100 students from across the country traveled to North Central College for the 2012 Blue Key National Conference, which took place Jan. 13-14.

The students represented 13 different colleges and universities, ranging from the University of Portland in Oregon to Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. Over the course of the conference, students had the opportunity to participate in a vast array of activities.

Winter term contemplative series begins Jan. 12

The department of religious studies invites the campus community to join its contemplative events, including Catholic, Jewish and mindfulness meditations.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to join the department of religious studies for its winter series of events that focus on the contemplative dimension of human experience.

The mindfulness meditations take place Thursdays, Jan. 12, 26 and Feb. 9. The Catholic meditation is set for Tuesday, Jan. 31, and the Jewish meditation will meet Thursday, Feb. 23. All events take place from 4 to 5 p.m. in Heininger Auditorium at the Larrance Academic Center. Short presentations by practitioners from diverse traditions will be following by optional contemplative exercises.

Joshua Heyza

“North Central’s professors care what you think and take pride in helping you develop your own research interests, and I love research,” says Joshua.

Majoring in philosophy has been a good springboard for research. His first independent study - about ethics after the Holocaust - paired him with a faculty member who he says, “taught me a lot about research techniques.” Another faculty member enhanced his writing and research skills on his next project about Native American storytelling.

That project was accepted for presentation at a national conference. “This was the best opportunity. I learned to present in front of people and the whole experience motivated me to present two research projects at next year’s conference.”

“Clearly, at North Central, the benefit for me has been the time and attention I’ve had with my professors to ask them questions, pick their brains and get to know them.”

Joshua plans to pursue graduate school and possibly a Ph.D.

1960 Martin Luther King visit inspired students to activism

Throughout its 150-year history North Central College has demonstrated its commitment to the principles of equality and nonviolence.

During January, North Central College celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a week of events and activities. As part of a yearlong celebration of its Sesquicentennial, the College’s 2012 observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Week is particularly significant.

Chicago Sinfonietta celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 15 at North Central College

Music Director Mei-Ann Chen leads Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jan. 15 at North Central College.

Music Director Mei-Ann Chen leads Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 15 at North Central College.

Guest conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson, founder and music director of Philadelphia’s Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, joins Chen in leading the Sinfonietta in the performance, “The Journey, The Dream”—a selection of works that celebrate King’s pioneering fight for civil rights and his enduring legacy.

Samantha Nutt to address 2012 Blue Key National Conference at North Central

Humanitarian Samantha Nutt will address honors students from across the nation Jan. 13 when North Central College hosts the 2012 Blue Key National Conference.

Humanitarian Samantha Nutt, an authority on how war impacts civilians, will address honors students from across the nation Jan. 13 when North Central College hosts the 2012 Blue Key National Conference.

The Blue Key Honor Society recognizes college students at senior institutions of higher education for balanced and all-around excellence in scholarship, leadership and service. Nearly 120 students are expected to participate in the three-day national conference Jan. 13-15.

Tavis Smiley to speak at North Central College during Martin Luther King Jr. Week

Radio and television host Tavis Smiley will be keynote speaker Jan. 19 during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week observance at North Central College.

Dec. 5, 2011—Radio and television host Tavis Smiley will be keynote speaker during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week observance at North Central College.

The talk show host, political commentator and entrepreneur will deliver his presentation, “America I AM,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 7 for $10; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

Polinska gives talk at international humanities conference

Wioleta Polinska, professor of religious studies, gave a presentation, “Engaging Religious Diversity: Towards a Pedagogy of Mindful Contemplation,” in Spain.

Wioleta Polinska, professor of religious studies and chair of philosophy and religious studies, gave a presentation titled “Engaging Religious Diversity: Towards a Pedagogy of Mindful Contemplation” at the Ninth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities at the Universidad de Granada in Granada, Spain. Held June 8-11, the annual conference explores key issues in the humanities and welcomes scholars and practitioners from a range of disciplines and professional areas who recognize the essential role the humanities must play in today's society.