Sonja R. Herington

Sonja R. Herington, staff secretary in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, is emblematic of a number of NIU women who combine roles as university employee, student and, often, parent After earning an associate's degree at a community college, Sonja completed a baccalaureate degree at NIU while working in the Foreign Languages department and raising two sons as a single parent. She now is pursuing an M.B.A. degree while working full-time in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Her knowledge and experience were particularly useful in the transition that followed the sudden death of the department chair. Her nominators also note the sensitivity with which she extends assistance to international students and faculty who need help with the details of university enrollment and everyday life. In addition to her studies and her regular duties, she serves as assistant coach on her sons' soccer teams.