About the CURE Award Fund

The Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning is grateful for the contributions of Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Hampel in making the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement an exciting annual event.  

Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Hampel were professors and research scientists at NIU. A major part of their interests included introducing students to research and watching them blossom. They genuinely enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm of students learning, understanding and creating.

Kennedy earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from NIU, before earning her graduate respiratory therapist degree from Northwestern University Medical School. Her allied health care career began at the bedside as a patient caregiver. Most recently she was a clinical professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University. She was loved by her students and instrumental in helping many of them launch successful careers. Kennedy passed away in 2023, but her remarkable legacy centers around her life’s dedication to health care and to helping others. Through her generous legacy gift, this namesake fund serves as a fitting tribute to her longstanding commitment to NIU and its students.

Hampel earned his bachelor’s degree from NIU, then went on to obtain his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ultimately, he returned to NIU to teach. He holds 15 scientific patents and has published 80 scientific publications. Upon his retirement, Hampel received the distinction of emeritus professor in both the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Department of Biological Sciences at NIU. Perhaps what marked his career the most was his incredible love for teaching and for academically inspiring youth.

Students receiving high rankings on their presentation will receive monetary awards and the opportunity to have their posters published in Huskie Commons, thanks to the annual contributions by the Dr. Arnold Hampel and Dr. Denise Kennedy CURE Award fund.