Kudos

Debra Hopkins, director of the CPA Review in the Department of Accountancy, recently was named as a recipient of the Illinois “Women to Watch” Awards by the Illinois CPA Society. This is the first year that these awards have been presented.

The purpose of these awards is to recognize and celebrate women who have made notable contributions to the accounting profession, their organizations and to the development of women as leaders. The recipients are accomplished women who have promoted a work environment that provides opportunities for the successful integration of their personal and professional life and the advancement of women to positions of leadership.

Other award winners include partners from PricewaterhouseCoopers, RSM McGladrey, and American Express Tax & Business Services.

* * *

Tom Roberts, a professor of educational psychology in the NIU Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations, is among the speakers at a Wednesday, Nov. 2, presentation in Chicago on entheogenic plants and chemicals.

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Columbia College Chicago will host “From Visionary Experience to Spiritual Life: Entheogenic Plants and Chemicals” at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. The free event begins at 6 p.m.

Roberts and the other speakers will discuss entheogens (psychoactive plants and chemicals taken to occasion primary religious experiences) and their role in the spiritual quest. What is it about these substances and practices that contain the possibility of bringing insights, grace and joy to individuals and to their communities? What about some of the forces working against the realization of such a possibility?

Roberts will draw from his forthcoming chapter, “Chemical Input, Religious Output – Entheogens: A Pharmatheology Sampler.”

For more information, call (312) 744-6630 or visit www.chicagoculturalcenter.org.

10-24-05