ITS will offer an open memorial service for Steve Thiel, the “voice of NIU,” at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, in the Clara Sperling Sky Room of the Holmes Student Center.
Thiel, who died Jan. 13, began his career at NIU in April 1981. He understood that 753-1000 was the “front door” to the university, and always knew that callers’ impressions of the university were marked by their experience with his office.
He believed callers to University Information should be treated as they would by the concierge of the finest four-star hotel. Many people knew how helpful he was, as he literally and figuratively guided them through the university. He even provided directions to the campus when callers dialed University Information from their vehicles.
Call (815) 753-5803 for more information.
Art history professor Sinclair Bell will give a lunchtime talk Thursday, Jan. 29, on “Role Models in Ancient Rome.” Bell will speak in the Jack Olson Gallery in the Art Building.
Thursday’s talk is the first in a series tied to “New and Renew: New Faculty and Sabbatical Biennial,” on view in the Olson Gallery through Feb. 13.
The NIU Community School of the Arts children’s choir welcomes all interested children ages 8 to 13 to the first spring rehearsal Wednesday, Feb. 4. The rehearsal begins at 4:30 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. The group meets at this time each week in Room 171 of the Music Building.
The open rehearsal Feb. 4 is an ideal chance for children and parents to experience the choir without making a commitment. The group will play music games, sing and enjoy treats.
Mary Lynn Doherty, director of the choir, is a faculty member of the NIU School of Music. Assisting and accompanying is Travis Erikson, choir director for the DeKalb High School.
The mission of the CSA Children’s Choir is to develop the musical skills and understandings of children in the greater DeKalb area through the study and performance of high quality choral music of different genres. Through the choral music experience, students will build important musical and life skills.
For more information, call Renee Page at (815) 753-1450 or visit www.niu.edu/extprograms.
The Department of Geography has announced the schedule for its Spring 2009 Colloquia.
All talks are held at 3 p.m. Fridays in Davis Hall 121 and are co-sponsored by the Graduate Colloquium Committee of NIU. Call (815) 753-0631 for more information.
Inspired by the hit TV show, NIU’s FIT Program is creating a “Biggest Loser” competition.
At stake is a free fall 2009 FIT membership to both the woman and man who lose the most weight, and also a free fall 2009 membership to the team whose members who lose the most weight. Participants can sign up in teams of four or individually for placement on teams of four.
Measurements of girth (arms, waist, hips, thighs) and pounds lost will take place every two weeks, and the competition will conclude the week of April 20. Exercise physiology students will be available to train individuals and teams.
For more information, call (815) 753-0335.
The Ally Program is a campus-wide program designed to foster a welcoming and supportive campus environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, faculty and staff by creating a visible network of allies.
NIU employees and students interested in volunteering for the Ally Program can learn more and register online. The online form provides the specific workshop dates and times and allows registrants to indicate first, second and third choices.
Training is divided into two two-hour workshops (Part I and Part II). Volunteers must attend both Part I and Part II. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Multiple dates are available.
Part I:
Thursday, Jan. 29: 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 4: 2 to 4 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 9: 9 to 11 a.m.
Part II:
Tuesday, Feb. 17: 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 25: 2 to 4 p.m.
Monday, March 2: 9 to 11 a.m.
The Ally Program is sponsored by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center, Division of Student Affairs.
NIU’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Studies Program is currently accepting nominations for new faculty associates and program affiliates. The program offers undergraduate and graduate certificates of study and serves students in a number of colleges and disciplines across campus.
Faculty associates typically teach and/or research some aspect of LGBT studies whereas program affiliates are employees of the university who support the program but are not necessarily involved in related research or teaching. This visible link with the program hopes to facilitate collaborative programming, instigate grant proposals and foster other research and teaching activities.
To nominate yourself or someone else, contact Diana Swanson at dswanson@niu.edu. The nomination deadline is Friday, Jan. 30.
NIU’s Presidential Commission on the Status of Women is accepting nominations for the 2009 NIU Outstanding Women Student Awards.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 23.
This recognition program was created in 1980 and is held annually to encourage the full participation of women students in all facets of the university experience and in their communities; to support their development of corresponding strengths, both cooperative and competitive; and to celebrate their achievements and contributions, including those not usually recognized by other award programs.
Details about eligibility and nomination forms are available online and by calling (815) 753-0320.
The NIU Operating Staff Dependent Scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to children of NIU Operating Staff (civil service) employees while attending NIU. This award is made possible through funds presented by the NIU Civil Service employees’ fundraising activities.
Eligibility requirements:
The maximum amount that will be awarded to any individual is $2,500 over five academic years.
The award of $250 per semester will be awarded for both fall and spring or for just an individual semester. All scholarship and award requests must be made payable to NIU. This scholarship will be routed through the Office of Student Financial Aid and applied directly to the students’ bursar accounts.
The application deadline is Sunday, Feb. 1, or the first business day thereafter. Send completed applications to Jay Monteiro, president, Operating Staff Council, Human Resources, NIU, DeKalb, Ill., 60115.