Academics | North Central College

New study abroad program expands international horizons

A new study abroad program in Jordan allows students to learn Arabic and experience Middle Eastern culture.

A new study abroad program in Amman, Jordan, is appealing to students like Carly Johnston ’13, who wanted a life-changing academic experience that would set her apart. “I saw it as an opportunity to expand my resume, learn another language and make connections to make my goals a reality,” she says of her fall term there. “I’m hoping to join the Peace Corps and also connect with the NGO (non-governmental organization) Global Network.”

North Central student helps research, design exhibit for the holidays

North Central College sophomore Tiffany Tindell helped research, design historical exhibit as part of this season’s Cup of Cheer Holiday event in Naperville.

North Central College sophomore Tiffany Tindell joined preparations for this season’s community Cup of Cheer Holiday House Walk and market—the Naperville Garden Club’s annual fundraiser.

Tindell helped research and design an exhibit—the Naper Settlement Cup of Cheer teacup and saucer collection—which is on display through January in the lobby of the Naperville Bank & Trust at 5 S. Washington St.

Students study abroad, serve others and more during D-Term

Study abroad courses, service trips, business and leadership ventures, and sport contest are among the many options for student exploration during D-Term.

D-Term is North Central College’s three-week period between Thanksgiving and Christmas when fall term and finals are over. Students are free to study abroad and engage in service, ongoing business projects, internships, independent research and life-enriching experiences.

Among the opportunities in 2012 are seven study abroad trips, including a new one for graduate students, with some 155 students and 14 faculty and staff participating. Each trip is a three-credit course with coursework prior to, during and after each trip.

Blanchet plays percussion in “Annie”

George Blanchet, percussionist and lecturer in music

George Blanchet, North Central College percussionist and lecturer in music, plays percussion in the musical “Annie” at Paramount Theater through December.

George Blanchet, North Central College percussionist and lecturer in music, plays percussion in the family musical “Annie,” which runs Nov. 21-Dec. 30 at Paramount Theater in Aurora. Blanchet has performed for other musical productions at the Paramount, as well as the Chicago Sinfonietta and Metropolis Symphony Orchestra.

Blanchet has been teaching percussion at North Central since 1998 and directs the Percussion Ensemble.

North Central College students achieve Dean’s List honors for 2012 fall term

North Central College has named its Dean’s List of scholars for the 2012 fall term.

North Central College has named its Dean’s List of scholars for the 2012 fall term. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, undergraduate students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.6 (4.0=A) for the term and be enrolled as full-time students.

The following students were named to the Dean’s List for fall term:

Kevin Adams
Annie Adamski
Amanda Aguayo
Alyssa Allgood
Nathan Allumi
Lauren Altiery
Jeffrey Andersen
Cameron Anderson
Rachel Anderson
Michelle Arb
Elizabeth Arendziak
Zunara Arif
Gabriela Ariza

Students get involved in the community through DuPage United

North Central College students expand their civic engagement by participating with local residents and nonprofit DuPage United.

North Central College students expanded their civic engagement by participating with local residents in DuPage United, a local nonprofit organization that promotes democratic action.

North Central College shares science instruments with high school chemistry students

North Central College hosted chemistry students from Naperville North High School on a field trip to use the College’s spectroscopy equipment.

Chemistry students from Naperville North High School learned what it’s like to use sophisticated scientific instrumentation during a recent field trip to North Central College.

Sixteen Naperville North students worked with Jeff Bjorklund, North Central College professor of chemistry, during the Nov. 12 field trip. They learned how to use the College’s spectroscopy instruments to determine the chemical properties of samples they were provided.

Student jazz ensembles perform Nov. 14

North Central College presents the fall “Great Evening of Jazz” featuring student jazz ensembles at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, in Wentz Concert Hall.

North Central College presents the fall “Great Evening of Jazz” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, in Wentz Concert Hall with compositions and arrangements by Horace Silver, Jackie McLean, Bobby Troup, Ornette Coleman, Janice Borla and many more.

Seniors DePue, Hussey and Lishman in final round with Illinois universities

Athletic training seniors Matthew Hussey, Kristi Lishman, Jason DePue

North Central College’s senior athletic training students compete in final round, take fourth place at IATA College Bowl.

North Central College’s athletic training students returned from competition at the 2012 Illinois Athletic Trainers Association (IATA) College Bowl, an annual event held during the two-day IATA State Meeting and Clinical Symposium. This year’s contest of knowledge and skill was held Nov. 4 at the Wyndham Lisle-Chicago Hotel.

North Central’s competitors—seniors Matthew Hussey, Kristi Lishman and Jason DePue—represented the College’s athletic training education program, with Trevor Magnotti standing ready to serve as alternate.

Ninety-plus member Concert Winds presents Instrumental Invitational Festival

Concert Winds, directed by Professor of Music Lawrence Van Oyen

North Central College’s Concert Winds hosts the annual Instrumental Invitational Festival with Plainfield East High School Wind Ensemble Tuesday, Nov. 13.

North Central College’s Concert Winds, directed by Professor of Music and Director of Bands Lawrence Van Oyen, will host the annual Instrumental Invitational Festival at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, in Wentz Concert Hall.

The annual event features the 92-member Concert Winds and local high school ensembles. This year’s guest band is the Plainfield East High School Wind Ensemble, directed by David Lesniak ’99, who has served as an applied faculty member at North Central.