North Central NOW Annual Report 2010

Brad Weiss '97

Brad Weiss writes a Radio, Media and Marketing Strategy Blog at bcarsonradio.wordpress.com. He’s also the midday host and content manager on WKQK-FM 94.1 in Memphis, TN, program director for WMFS AM/FM, executive producer for the Gary Parrish Show and a voice artist with Studio Center Memphis.

Amanda Williams '08

Amanda Williams was promoted to account executive in the corporate sales division of SmartEd Services in Cleveland. She began her career with SmartEd as a technology researcher, working to create technology solutions for corporate clients. SmartEd is the largest reseller of SMART Technologies in the Midwest, supplying K-12, corporate and higher education clients, including North Central College.

Manno '05 tapped for new MTV show

After years as a late night DJ, Kevin Manno '05 is finally working the day shift—and enjoying a promising promotion to television personality. He now co-hosts a daily live show for MTV called "The Seven" from a sunny studio overlooking Times Square in New York City. For years, Manno was a force on late night Chicago radio at WKQX-FM 101.1 (known as Q101) and before that, as co-host of "All Ages Radio" on WONC-FM 89.1. The highly respected show earned Manno and friend Gordon Mays '05 Silver Dome Awards from the Illinois Broadcaster's Association.

Jena Morrow '99

Jena Morrow chronicles her lifelong battle with an eating disorder in her debut book, titled “Hollow: An Unpolished Tale,” released in May 2010 by Moody Publishers. She studied music education at North Central College. She lives with her son in Crest Hill, IL, and may be reached at jenamorrow.com.

Michelle Corless '10

Michelle Corless won the first-place award for Best Radio News Reporting—a prestigious 2010 National Student Production Award from Collegiate Broadcasters, Inc. She won the top award for her WONC-FM 89.1 coverage of Evan Lysacek Day in Naperville last March. Corless is working as a reporter/production associate for Naperville Community Television, NCTV 17.

Former career back on the 'front burner'

A life of academic curiosity that was nurtured at North Central College continues for Charlotte Roederer '65. A math and music major as an undergraduate, Roederer has shifted from a law career back to research she started more than 30 years ago after earning a doctorate in music history from Yale University. "I have the opportunity to 'front burner' the research I started as an academic and kept warm all these years," she says.

Kevin Stahr '99

Kevin Stahr is the public information coordinator for the City of Aurora, IL. He’s responsible for writing news releases, fielding media inquiries, coordinating special events and helping develop various media strategies. Stahr had spent the last 11 years with Suburban Life Newspapers as a reporter and news editor. He lives in Aurora with his wife Toni Drost ’99 Stahr.

Andrea Larson '10

Andrea Larson stars in “Departure Lounge” at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre in Chicago. The musical follows four, less-than-innocent 18-year old Brits caught between adolescence and adulthood, who are delayed at Malaga Airport after a week in the sun to celebrate graduation from school. As they reminisce about their time together, it becomes clear that their individual memories of the holiday are at odds. For more information visit bailiwickchicago.wordpress.com.

Alexis Ledbetter '12: Nurturing Diversity

Away from classroom lessons in English, biology and history, Alexis Ledbetter '12 sees the need to teach young women about some other topics that will serve them well over their lifetimes. Ledbetter focuses on helping them understand the importance of acceptance and encourages their respect for others' backgrounds and personal situations. As a second-year Resident Assistant (RA) in Peter and Paul Hall and one of 47 RAs on campus, Ledbetter exemplifies the role of residence life staff in the crucial adjustment of first-year students.

Charles F. Lee '57

Charles F. Lee wrote a book titled “The Adventures of ICKLE, PACKY, PICKLE and GOOCH,” about the mischievous and hilarious adventures of four grammar school–aged boys growing up in the late 1920s. Designed for young readers as well as adults, the book may also be a walk down memory lane for senior adults who grew up in the late 1920s and early Depression years in the 1930s. Lee received a master’s degree in mass communication from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.