College of Education honors friends

The NIU College of Education's Donor Recognition Dinner was held Friday, May 19, at NIU-Naperville.

The Donor Recognition Dinner is sponsored by the college's Alumni Council and Development Board. The dinner provides the college an opportunity to honor its donors and to share with them how their gifts have made a difference to the college.

Each year at this event, the Philanthropic Award and Friend of the College Awards are presented during the dinner. The College of Education Development Board nominates and selects recipients who exemplify the spirit of giving and who have made a significant difference to the college through their generosity.

This year, the College of Education recognized Anthony and Carolyn Kambich, Donald G. and Helen Gum Westlake and IBM.

The College of Education Alumni Council also recognizes exceptional friends of the college. Recipients of the Friend of the College of Education are selected based on a number of criteria that include long-term service and/or support, influence over state and federal educational policy, and volunteerism in support of the college.

This year the College of Education recognized Thomas and Judith Crowell and Thomas Nolan.

Philanthropic Awards

Anthony and Carolyn Kambich

Tony and Carolyn met at NIU, where both graduated from the College of Education.

They have spent the past 45 years putting their NIU education to its best use on local, national and international levels. In 1966, they founded the Deerfield Montessori School, which has grown to four locations, enrolling children from more than 350 families.

Tony and Carolyn have been generous with their time and financial support for NIU and, in particular, the College of Education. Tony serves on the college's development board, where he is leading the drive to raise funds for the college's project to provide educational opportunities in Mwala, Kenya. Carolyn has led discussions and hosted tours of their Montessori facilities for education faculty, and she is helping to strengthen the Montessori component of the Kenya project.

The Kambichs also have provided financial support for technology needs, student scholarships, international development projects and faculty development in the College of Education. They most recently established the Tony and Carolyn Kambich Educational Endowment Fund to provide longer-term support for such projects.

Through their significant financial and volunteer support, Tony and Carolyn Kambich demonstrate their continued devotion to assisting others in reaching their fullest potential.

Donald G. and Helen Gum Westlake

Helen received her NIU undergraduate degree in education in 1949 and her master's degree in home economics education from Iowa State University in 1958. She taught in high schools for 33 years, and currently is an instructor at the College of DuPage.

A pioneer in the development of home economics-related occupations, Helen was a highly sought-after presenter; she authored three textbooks and co-authored two other books with Don. Don earned his Ph.D. in metallurgy from Iowa State University and joined Argonne National Laboratory as an analytical chemist and researcher. Since 1984, Don has focused his work on human relationships, parenting, and child development, as well as writing poetry.

The Westlakes' ongoing support of students in the College of Education through the Julia Calliss Morris Endowed Scholarship Fund, as well as their generous support of the college's School University Partnership program through the Donald G. and Helen Gum Westlake Endowed Grant Fund, is ensuring a bright future for NIU students and P-12 students and teachers in the college's partnership schools.

IBM

IBM is one of the largest corporate contributors of cash, equipment and human resources to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions across the United States and around the world. The College of Education is delighted to be a partner in IBM's efforts to improve educational experiences for public school students.

This year, IBM donated 16 Young Explorer computer units for the College of Education's partnership initiative.

These innovative computer workstations with educational software programs are designed for children ages 4 to 7 and have been placed in four elementary schools: one in DeKalb, one in Malta and two in Rockford. These elementary schools partner with the College of Education to prepare future teachers and are part of the college's partnership network.

Children and teachers in the schools, as well as NIU students engaged in clinical experiences at these locations, are learning ways to enhance the curriculum and classroom experience with this innovative technology. IBM's Young Explorer units are playing a key role in providing young students with a focused learning environment that teaches through multiple educational strategies and a curriculum infused with technology.

By providing these essential tools, IBM is helping the college prepare the next generation of teachers and is significantly changing the lives, the learning and the teaching experiences of everyone involved in our partnership schools.

Friend of the College Awards

Thomas and Judith Crowell

The College of Education is pleased to recognize Dr. Thomas Crowell Jr. and Mrs. Judith Crowell for their commitment to the future of the college.

Both are graduates of the College of Education and have remained close to their alma mater over the years. Their interest in supporting the alumni relations efforts in the college led them to help establish a College of Education Alumni Group in the Houston area. Eventually, they hope to expand the group to include alumni in the northeastern part of Texas.

Tom and Judy believe it is equally important to support the college and its students financially; with that intent, they have established the Dr. Thomas R. Crowell Jr. and Mrs. Judith F. Crowell Education Scholarship for postgraduate students.

Thomas Nolan

The College of Education is pleased to recognize Dr. Thomas Nolan for his loyal and passionate support.

Tom received his doctorate in adult continuing education in 1999 and has remained in contact with the college in the intervening years. He always is excited to learn about new faculty projects and student activities and routinely reviews the College of Education Web pages, providing valuable feedback for improving our communications.

Tom visited campus last fall, bringing innovative ideas and program proposals for the higher education program. In March, Tom and his wife, Joanne, hosted a reception in their Arizona home for College of Education alumni in the Tucson area. They also recruited a fellow alumnus (and close friend) to host a similar event in Phoenix .

Tom continues to demonstrate his conviction to “give back” by acting as a volunteer liaison for the College in Arizona.

6-12-06