North Central Now Spring 2011 | North Central College

Robert Ropars 1992

Robert Ropars published an e-book titled “Dark Bites,” a four-part horror series with new twists on classic horror stories. He also published “Carriage Returns” and “Romantic Confessions.” Ropars may be reached at robropars@gmail.com.

New offerings for science majors

Recent developments signal the College’s ongoing commitment to its science curriculum and career preparation with an eye toward construction of a new science center on campus.

Students will be able to pursue degrees in additional areas of study beginning fall 2011. They can complete a new major in the field of chemical microscopy, which involves the use of microscopes to solve chemical problems. Minors will be offered in bioinformatics—the application of statistics and computer sciences to the field of molecular biology—and neuroscience, the study of the nervous system.

Ryan Gatenby 1993

Ryan Gatenby and Andy Miles released their debut album “Unimpressive” as members of Chicago’s The Band Split. Gatenby, vocalist and guitarist, produced the album at home and mastered it on his MacBook in order to release this melodic rock gem on Transistor Sound, a label started by drummer Miles. The group also created a YouTube video for its song “Cheater.”

Concert Choir immersed in Italian musical history and tradition

A first-ever European tour to Rome, Venice and Florence March 16-24 gave North Central’s Concert Choir an immersion in musical history and tradition. In addition to singing in world-renowned cathedrals, like St. Peter’s Basilica at Vatican City in Rome and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the choir visited Cremona, home of the Stradivarius violin, and Florence. “The whole experience was geared to music students and so it was very special for us,” says Professor of Music Jeordano Martínez, director of the Concert Choir.