Doreen Mace

What year did you start working at NIU?
I started as extra help in the College of Education in 1997, went to school and did various campus jobs, eventually working as a secretary from 2001-2008. I returned to NIU in 2022.

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
I didn't have a hometown until I moved into the area, and now this is home.

Where did you attend school? What degree(s) did you earn?
I transferred from Mesa Community College to NIU. I received an associate degree in general studies with honors, a Bachelor of Arts in geography with honors and a Master of Science in instructional technology.

If you attended college, were you a first-generation student? If so, what advice would you offer to current first generation students?
Although I was not a first-generation student, I felt the challenge of attending college as an untraditional student. While I was in college, I also helped my children to receive their own bachelor's degrees. My advice is to follow your dream, let people know about your dream and work toward it. You never know what is out in the future. When sitting in geography class, I never expected to travel to Canada or see Chichen Itza in Mexico, but it happened. Dream and prepare.

Describe your typical day—what do you do while at work?
A typical day is greeting students at the office window and responding to telephone calls and emails. I'm the person who connects students with their advisors.

What do you like about working at NIU?
I enjoy the close connections we build together as a Huskie team. Working at NIU is much more than a job — we are dream-makers who help people reach their academic and career goals.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
Seek information about all of the resources available to you. Life often throws unexpected things that create struggle when there's already so much on your plate. You are part of the Huskie team and there are people here to help you.

What is important for students to know about the office/department that you work in? What student services does your office provide?
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences advising office helps students stay on track and achieve their academic goals. Make sure to book your advising appointments every semester. If it's difficult to come in person, there's an option for virtual appointments.

In what ways do you see your colleagues help student success?
One way is by helping students decide upon a major. When I arrived at NIU to do my undergraduate degree, I wondered about what credits would transfer and what classes I needed for completing a degree. Sometimes one also changes ones' mind after taking a particular class and that may result in studying in an entirely new program. It appeared I didn't know what I wanted to study, but an advisor is a great help for sorting all of this out.

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
My favorite memories are always about the NIU students or when I was a student myself. Yet, I have this recent memory that happened on my return back to NIU last fall. I was new again and didn't know very many people at this point. Then, one of our CLAS advisors showed up at the Dutch door, poking her head in and asking if I wanted to go for a walk. Julie Oberheim would then come regularly and ask me to join her at lunchtime until this became a routine. Julie has a contagious enthusiasm which causes me to want to see what is happening on other parts of campus. Whenever we take our walks together, it feels like adventure and exploration. Our favorite place to walk is around the East Lagoon where we see wildflowers and wildlife.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
When I was an undergraduate, my father worked as a professor in the technology department at NIU, and he arranged to hand my diploma to me at graduation. My father later emailed me, "I'm proud of you."

What fulfills you personally and professionally?
I want to grow in knowledge and broaden my skills, and NIU is the perfect place to do it. I enjoy the benefits of NIU's outstanding library and utilize its resources regularly. Curiosity is what drives me. I always enjoy learning new things and that really comes in handy in any job one does, especially since technology is frequently changing the way people do things.

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
I believe each one of NIU's core values are equally important. One of my favorite things about NIU is its diverse and inclusive environment.

Have you contributed to any NIU Foundation fundraising campaigns such as the Day of Giving or Huskies United? If yes, why did you decided to support NIU?
I've helped NIU by supporting student scholarships by purchasing a 2022 Pride with a Purpose T-shirt and the 2023 "Wildlife from the NIU Campus and Along the Prairie Path" calendar. Sales go to benefit the Friends of the NIU Libraries.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
I've had so many interests that I would change my mind often, but eventually I fell into geography and later went into instructional technology for my master's degree at NIU. Then, I worked outside of NIU as an instructional designer before coming back again. I decided NIU has the best work environment of any place I've ever worked.

Are you a member of or hold a position within a professional or community organization? If so, what organization? What is the purpose of that organization and how does being part of this organization benefit you in your role at NIU?
I work on the tech support team for the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva. And, through UUSG, I work at the Northern Illinois Food Bank from time to time. UUSG is a welcoming community that encourages service. Recently, the church offered virtual services, which makes it possible to connect with people who live far away. In addition to the appeal of community service, I also feel connection with people in this congregation since there are several members who are active and retired NIU faculty. It builds upon friendships already made when I worked and went to school here.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
First, I enjoy painting at monthly wine-and-canvas events at nearby Blackberry Farm. I consider painting more than a hobby but not a profession. I simply love to paint and want to improve my work. Being creative is the best outlet for lowering stress. I also typically spend time each day meditating. I'll sit in a quiet place for 20 or so minutes and simply let my body and mind relax. Sometimes, I'll participate in an online Buddhist group that meets to talk about books on topics such as meditation, proper breathing and kindness. Life balance is the key to facing daily challenges.

Do you have any hobbies or interesting personal pursuits you're involved with in your spare time?
I mentioned reading, painting and mediation, but I also enjoy physical activity. When I was younger, I was a couch potato, so it surprises me now that I enjoy doing 5K/fun runs and other types of physical activity. I'm keeping an eye out for 5K events coming to NIU!

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
There's always so many things to do at NIU, from arts and culture to recreation. Also, check out seasonal events in the community, such as Corn Fest and the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival — these are local traditions!