North Central News
North Central College remains a fixture in local and national news as the calendar turns to summer
Jun 30, 2021
While the academic year has ended for summer break, North Central College’s news and insights from our subject-matter experts continue to capture the spotlight of media outlets nationwide. Here is an overview of media highlights from June 2021:
North Central included in NBC Nightly News’ commencement video recap
After a challenging, mostly virtual, year of learning, some well-known faces offered encouragement and words of wisdom for the Class of 2021 in graduation ceremonies across the country. NBC Nightly News takes a look at some of the best moments from this year's commencement ceremonies. North Central College was included in several video shots. Watch the video to spot our Cardinals walking into the stadium, moving the tassels on their mortar boards, and hugging loved ones post-ceremony.
Click here to watch the full feature on NBC Nightly News.
Caliendo provides analysis on President Biden and President Putin’s first meeting on FOX 32 Chicago
President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded their summit with an agreement to return their nations' ambassadors to their posts in Washington and Moscow and a plan to begin work toward replacing the last remaining treaty between the two countries limiting nuclear weapons. But the two leaders offered starkly different views on difficult simmering issues including cyber and ransomware attacks originating from Russia.
Stephen Maynard Caliendo, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, interviewed on FOX 32 Chicago, where he broke down how the first meeting between the two presidents went.
“There's two things that are happening at these kinds of meetings,” said Caliendo. “One is substantive, there may be actual work that gets done when world leaders have meetings, and the other part, of course, is symbolic, there's posturing and in press conferences and optics. I don't think anybody expected Vladimir Putin to say, you know, I lied to President Trump in 2018, we actually were responsible for all the cyber-attacks on the United States; so that wasn't going to happen, but it seems like some work did get done.”
Click here to watch the full interview on FOX 32 Chicago.
Towns shares insights on international student loan eligibility in U.S. News & World Report
Studying in the U.S. as an international student is a big expense. Even though students need to prove that they have ample finances before they begin school, there are times when they may need some extra funds. Some private lenders offer student loans for international students to help them complete their education.
Many lenders base private student loan approval on creditworthiness. The challenge then becomes that international students do not have a credit history in the U.S. or parents in this country who can borrow on their behalf. So, most lenders require a co-signer for the loan who is a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
Kevin Towns, director of financial aid, was quoted in U.S. News & World Report, where he discussed international student loan eligibility and what international students should keep in mind when considering loans.
“The co-signer would need to have acceptable credit scores and credit history,” said Towns. “That way, if the student does not repay the loan, the co-signer pays the debt.”
Click here to read the full article on U.S. News & World Report.
Jessica Wycha ’21 shares the secret to acing a virtual job interview on FOX 32 Chicago
As companies transition to the a “new normal” and embrace the work-from-home lifestyle, many job interviews are now taking place virtually. With the economy heading into a more prosperous outlook, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage in job opportunities. To stand out from the competition, it’s imperative for job-seeking employees to know the tips and tricks that will land them a job—everything from resume writing to zoom interviews.
North Central College alumna Jessica Wycha ’21 interviewed with FOX 32 Chicago, where she shared the essential tips to acing a virtual job interview.
“When it comes to job interview preparation, it’s not solely about prepping for traditional interview questions anymore, you have to consider what all encompasses a zoom interview,” said Wycha. “Virtual interviews are harder, in my opinion, because there is a lot more you have to be more intentional about—now, your background matters, what you’re wearing matters. So, it’s important to be intentional to every detail when preparing for a virtual interview.”
Click here to watch the full interview on FOX 32 Chicago.
North Central’s receipt of grant from federal study abroad program gains media interest
North Central College has been awarded an IDEAS grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Capacity Building Program for U.S. Study Abroad. The College is one of 26 schools selected from 132 applicants and will use the money to create, expand and/or diversify American student mobility overseas in support of U.S. foreign policy goals. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and supported in its implementation by World Learning.
The IDEAS Program seeks to increase the capacity of accredited U.S. colleges and universities to create, expand and diversify study abroad programs for U.S. students. It also allows college administrators to participate in free virtual and in-person study abroad capacity building activities.
The College’s receipt of the IDEAS grant garnered media interest throughout the Naperville area:
Colletti discusses best practices for families teaching how to compare auto insurance for Bankrate.com
Between choosing your insurance company provider, coverage amounts and meeting state requirements, purchasing appropriate coverage for your vehicle can become overwhelming. Each driver has unique preferences to consider when choosing the best car insurance provider. Factors such as your vehicle type, ages of the drivers on your policy, availability of insurer discounts and a company’s financial strength and customer service ratings will all be part of the decision-making process.
John Colletti, adjunct assistant professor of finance, was quoted on Bankrate.com, where he provided an expert opinion on the best time to introduce children to the concepts of insurance as part of financial literacy.
“As families discuss a child’s registration to driver education class, include a talk explaining monetary considerations and important terms to improve financial literacy [to] help in grasping concepts [of] vehicle ownership,” said Colletti. “Given the significant costs of typical vehicle and home insurance products I recommend instructional driving institutions encompass the relevant terms as part of student driving courses. Additionally, state driver licensing examinations could easily add basic questions to written tests to ensure new drivers understand applicable and relevant terms.”
Click here to read the full article on Bankrate.com.
North Central summer sport camps featured in Naperville-area media outlets
After a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, young athletes from around the region will once again take to the fields and courts at North Central College this summer. The College has opened camp registration for kids and teens ages 7-18 for a range of sports, including baseball, basketball, cheer, football and soccer.
The summer sports camps have capture the attention of Naperville-area media outlets: