January 2012 | North Central College

North Central College welcomes two notable authors during Naperville Reads 2012

A pair of notable authors will speak and sign books at North Central College in February as part of the 11th annual Naperville Reads celebration.

Jan. 30, 2012—A pair of notable authors will speak and sign books at North Central College in February as part of the 11th annual Naperville Reads celebration.

Anderson’s Bookshops present appearances by authors Antonio Sacre on Thursday, Feb. 9, and Luis Alberto Urrea on Thursday, Feb. 23. Both events begin at 7 p.m. in the College’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. Contact Anderson’s at 630-355-2665, visit andersonsbookshop.com or Naperville Public Library branches for free tickets.

Larry Cooper '71

Larry Cooper performed Verdi’s “La donna é Mobile,” “Music of the Night” from “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Lady of Spain” at the Hopkins Park Band Shell in DeKalb, IL. After graduating from North Central College, he was awarded a full scholarship to Northwestern University to study opera. He also studied at the Volkwanghochschule in Essen-Werben, Germany, under full scholarship. Cooper has performed in numerous opera, operetta, concert and oratorio performances.

Christina Tammen '94

Christina Tammen visited Africa to coach volleyball and share C.H.U.M.P., a series of books she wrote designed to help people develop effective strategies to defend the mind against doubt and fear. A high school world cultures and world history teacher since 2000, Tammen has been coaching volleyball since 1995. In addition to history facts, the self-described “natural counselor” teaches that faith, patience, forgiveness, believing and hoping are all skills to be mastered.

John W. Daniels Jr. '69

John W. Daniels Jr. received the Legend of the Year Award from the Milwaukee Community Journal (MCJ) at its 35th Annual Legends Gala on August 6. According to MCJ publisher Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo, he was selected for his stellar contributions to the city across a broad spectrum, encompassing law, business, philanthropy, faith and legacy-building. Each year the publication honors people in Milwaukee who have demonstrated community commitment in their personal, professional and civic and social lives. Daniels is chairman of Quarles & Brady LLP.

Tracy Weber Plesek '90

Tracy Weber Plesek was named Teacher of the Year for Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox, IL. Teachers selected for the honor are leaders in their curriculum content area and within their schools. Plesek has been a mathematics teacher for Lincoln-Way District 210 for 21 years and mathematics department chair for Lincoln-Way West since 2009. She earned a master’s degree in education administration from Governors State University. Her hobbies include photography, watching her own children participate in their sports/activities, and going to Chicago Cubs baseball games.

North Central College ensembles ‘Explore the Sound’ Feb. 24

North Central College invites listeners to hear several of the College’s choral and instrumental ensembles in “Explore the Sound IV: Untraveled Worlds.”

North Central College presents “Explore the Sound IV: Untraveled Worlds” in identical Feb. 22 and 24 concerts that invite listeners to hear several of the College’s choral and instrumental ensembles and discover the stunning acoustics of Wentz Concert Hall.

Nancy Kruschke McKinney '89

Nancy Kruschke McKinney signed a publishing deal with CelebrityPress to release the book, titled “Win!: Winning Strategies From Today’s Leading Experts.” The book features top advice from some of the most successful experts around the world. The authors share business strategies and real-life solutions that can help others in the new and rapidly changing economy. McKinney, a productivity coach and professional organizer, founded Successful Organizing Solutions (S.O.S) to help individuals and businesses increase their effectiveness and efficiency through organizing skills and practices.

Keith R.W. Matune '10

Keith R.W. Matune was elected to the Community High School District 99 Board of Education and began a four-year term in May. He continues to teach social studies and is the head gymnastics coach at Lake Park High School in Roselle, IL. He and his wife Dawn are raising their four children in Downers Grove, IL. He may be reached at kmatune@lphs.org

North Central Now Annual Report 2011

Vocalist, Naperville resident Joan Curto performs Feb. 26 at North Central College

Vocalist Joan Curto performs selections from the Great American Songbook Feb. 26 at North Central College.

Acclaimed vocalist and Naperville resident Joan Curto performs selections from the Great American Songbook Feb. 26 at North Central College.

The performance begins at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, in North Central College’s Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets are $35 and $25; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

Cherrelle Blevins

Cherrelle Blevins was surprised in September by representatives from Spark Energy who brought a donation of more than 300 music instruments to her students at Bronzeville Lighthouse Elementary Charter School in Chicago. Blevins, a music teacher, submitted a letter asking for instruments. Spark Energy and Alternative Energy Company read her request and decided to grant her wish. Each year, 3.5 million teachers spend an average of $500 out-of-pocket on classroom supplies.