Comments for Appreciating Our Graduate Students Archive

Outstanding support for the research mission of NIU!!! Thank you for your creativity and persistence! Appreciate your work and dedication to your studies, research and other students!

- Leslie Matuszewich

AHCD graduate students are committed to their professional growth. They are passionate about learning new knowledge and skills from faculty, peers and individuals to whom they provide services.

AHCD students are creative and innovative. They are eager to stretch their comfort zones improving their abilities to serve others.

- Sherrill Morris

The graduate students in economics are hard-working and caring individuals who make our program a success. I appreciate having you in my classes, hearing your questions in seminar, and working with you on your research! Thank you for your kindness.

- Anna Klis

Our Graduate Students always amaze and inspire me with all the work they balance. The level of rigor their studies involve, impressive research, and dedicated time to do their best!

- Judy Puskar

Go Grads!

- Tiffany Clash-Shaw, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

As I finish my first year as the Graduate Programs Coordinator in the School of Art and Design, I'd like to thank all the graduate students for being so supportive and appreciative of my efforts to figure out how to do my new job!

- Ann van Dijk

Jennifer Able is our head teaching assistant for our introductory labs. She cares a great deal for our undergraduate students, making sure they have the support and resources they need. She also has taken leadership for the lab, making sure our in-person and online TAs have what they need to be successful. She works independently and adjusts to last minute changes when issues arise. We are lucky to have her as a teaching assistant!

- Nicole LaDue

Thank you for being the best GA ever and having such a great sense of initiative! All of your help in KNPE is very much appreciated!!!

- Clayton Camic

Jordann Angel who has broken all barriers and statistics of a youth who has had foster care experience. Jordann has contributed not only as a graduate student; she has availed herself to sharing her experiences with her peers. Jordann has participated in panel discussions providing real world experiences to enhance understanding of this particular population of youth.

Jordann has demonstrated ongoing resilience and self-determination in her education, personal and professional life. While she has experienced a significant amount of adversity, she has always known what she wanted in her education and how to give back. Jordann has not only been an excellent GA (diligent, consistency and overall reliability) which has not been easy while balancing her MFT curriculum, working and being a parent. Jordann always has a smile despite the ongoing stressors she has continued to experience. Jordann is truly an inspiration. I have watched her grow in a number of ways. I had the privilege of being her caseworker while at DCFS and has grown to intern and now GA. Jordann is truly someone I admire!

- Dahlia Roman

Thank you for being a phenomenal head GA and leading the lab in 452! I appreciate all of your hard work!!!

- Clayton Camic

Hayley is an exceptional student, both in terms of her academic and clinical prowess, and in terms of the depth of care she places on every element of her work, from her dedication to her studies to how strongly she advocates for the needs of others. Hayley asks the hard questions, and doesn't take the answers at their surface level. She is what it means to be a graduate student and NIU is lucky to have her.

- Danica Billingsly

McKinzie Callahan is the graduate assistant student photographer for the OERD Marketing and Messaging team. She's a joy to have as part of our team. Somehow she balances the rigor of Law School, internships at law offices, and her GA position. McKinzie is dependable and upbeat - even during finals week! She always makes the people at OERD photoshoots feel comfortable and special, and her photographs have elevated our marketing material. We are very grateful that McKinzie is a law student at NIU and a part of our team!

- Jeannine East

Gianna has very capably taught Woodwind Techniques for the last two years and she has gone above and beyond to serve our students and to work collaboratively with faculty to develop and deliver the class. Gianna is highly organized, communicative with students, and she is a dynamic instructor. She took her assistantship very seriously and has done an exemplary job!

- Mary Lynn Doherty

Gianna Capobianco is incredibly reliable, is a role model for undergraduate students, teaches a music class for music education majors that receives rave reviews, and is an overall joy to work with.

Gianna recently stepped in and helped with conducting and playing in the NIU flute choir for a performance at the Founders Library. She is always someone I can rely on.

- Scott Metlicka

I would like to recognize and thank Kaite Dedic for all she has done. Katie is the graduate assistant for Operation Services at the Holmes Student Center. She is about to complete her second year with us and continues to make a difference for not just this area, but for the department as well. Katie has been instrumental in reshaping and refining the student employment program. She has revised the hiring and training process for the betterment of not just for the department, but for the individual student. She has bought new life to our hiring process by refining job descriptions, how we publicize our positions, led informational sessions, and spearheaded the in-person training process. Katie has been extremely flexible in her duties and had graciously accepted assisting with the human resource aspect of getting students hired. She can converse and work within a team that recognizes and greatly appreciates her as an individual and as a professional. The HSC looks forward to her having her talents for a third year!

- Dave Lochbaum

In 2021, Amy Erickson co-created the Reavis Companion, a collaboratively run graduate student blog. The goal is to foster community and offer constructive support for graduate students in English. 

The Reavis Companion, co-founded by Amy, is run and read by grad students in the English department of Northern Illinois University, and while not affiliated with or sponsored by NIU, it helps NIU’s grad students navigate the ins and outs of grad school and connect with other grad students. As a resource, especially the graduate teaching assistants who are instructors-of-record for First Year Composition classes, the site has been instrumental in helping our graduate students foster a sense of community as we move pass the COVID era and balance our online and in-person coursework and teaching. It also gives a forum for our graduate students to share research and personal interests. Overall, this kind of work is indicative of Amy’s wonderful commitment to building community in our graduate program.

- Scott Balcerzak

I would like to recognize Kristen Fanella, a graduate student in the Counseling program part of the College of Education. Kristen has served as a graduate assistant at the Disability Resource Center for close to two semesters now. She has taken on several roles and adapted to departmental transitions in a graceful and very efficient manner. She is always willing to help on tasks that go above and beyond her assigned duties, is flexible and performs all tasks extremely well. In addition to this, she is also always positive, kind and compassionate towards all our students and co-workers.

- Naina Richards

Marissa, Thanks so much for your help with the Physical Activity and Life Skills (PALS) Group this semester. I know you're juggling a lot of things, but your steady commitment to what we do has been a huge help. I have really enjoyed getting to know you and your interests better. Looking forward to supporting you on your journey as I know you'll go on to do incredible things and make a real difference in the world!

- Paul M. Wright

Kaelin is an absolute joy to work with academically and clinically. One of the things I most appreciate about her is that she is so genuinely herself, shares and gives of herself to students, faculty, and our patients. Kaelin pushes herself and others to be the best advocates possible and to not accept lack of knowledge as an excuse for poor behaviors. She is curious and thoughtful. Kaelin is what it means to be a graduate student and NIU is lucky to have her.

- Danica Billingsly

Chih-I Hsiao is a second year graduate student in world music. In promoting cultural understanding through music, Chih-I has given several workshops on and off NIU campus including several Culture Day events as a member of Thai Music Ensemble in DeKalb and Sycamore Libraries since Fall 2022. He also represented NIU World Music Program to work with high school band director and his students in Naperville and give in-service teacher training at the Kane County Institution Day in Spring 2022, both on Chinese percussion. Within NIU, he took several world music students to perform at the Culture Night Event that celebrated Asian American heritage in April. 2022.

He's also provided pedagogical assistance to help MUHL222 TA, Chinese music ensemble director, Korean drumming class director, and me, not only in the classroom settings but also outside of class, to spend numerous hours working with students who need individual help,

On top of this, he's managed to continue to practice his primary instrument, erhu, and used this unconventional western classical instrument to enter the Concerto Competition in Fall 2022, winning it, and performed with NIU Philharmonic Orchestra on 2/15. In the 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert of the Steel Band in April, he will be collaborating with NIU Steel on an arrangement for erhu and steel band, which will be the first of such in NIU and the world) history.

Outside of his academic life, he is a member of the Student Advisory Committee for School of Music, President for the NIU World Music Club, and Vice President for Taiwanese Student Association. With all he has done in the past 1.5 years at NIU (especially with his status as an international student who has to overcome so many cultural and language barriers), he definitely deserves recognition.

- Jui Ching Wang

Tyson was a graduate teaching assistant for my NNGO 100 course for two semesters. His caring and thoughtful attitude was an asset in classroom participation, but his compassion and helpful actions outside the classroom were even more appreciated. He recognized young undergraduate students who were struggling and offered assistance on his own time to help them seek resources, even when he was struggling to find the resources as a new international student here at NIU. His attitude inspired me each day in ways I can't begin to describe. I appreciate Tyson for all that he has brought to NIU.

- Betsy Hull

Thank you Evan for serving as a GA in 452, crushing Monday nights in 515, and being the coolest dude in the department. You rock!!!

- Clayton Camic

Cheryl Manning - during her time in the department, Cheryl has designed and led a research project that engaged Illinois high school teachers in learning about sustainability and earth science in our state. She has also been supportive of the department DEI efforts, contributed to our student honor society, and has filled in for me at a moments notice when I have fallen ill. We are grateful for Cheryl's contributions to scholarship as well as her peers!

- Nicole LaDue

Niaya McCleave, Ph.D. student in Health Sciences program. I want to thank her for her compassion and perseverance, and for changing the world for the better.

- Dr. Nahal Salimi

Amanda McMurray is a graduate student in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. I'd like to acknowledge Amanda's dedication to our field and our department. She has stepped up and taken on additional leadership roles this semester and is a positive influence on the undergraduate students in our program. Amanda also proactively seeks out research opportunities. Her excitement for research and improving the field is inspiring. Thank you for your team work and positive energy, Amanda!

- Shelby Ison

David Mwrichia. I have never met anyone like him. His work ethic is impeccable. He is kind and caring. And he is always willing to help (and even asks others in the office if he can help them). He has goals and standards for his personal life and will go very far in his career. The firm or organization that gets him after he graduates is lucky to have him. We were very lucky and blessed to have him in our office.

- Rebecca Leneau

Vianca Ocampo, 1st year graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology, is the GA for Asian American Certificate Program (AACP) under the Division of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Vianca's primary responsibilities for AACP include recruitment, outreach, and communication. She is often seen in major/minor fairs, student involvement events, and various culture nights. She also arranges classroom visits and gives presentation about AACP across the campus. She is also the co-editor for NIU AACP Newsletter, which is released twice a year, and in Spring semester, she is responsible for running the ILAS 225, Introduction to Asian American Studies class, where she works primarily with undergraduate students from various disciplines. Her efforts and ability to utilize limited resources to benefit students pursuing AACP are significant in helping increase the visibility of AACP. We at AACP are grateful to Vianca for her dedication to promoting Asian American cultures on campus.

In order to provide students with a broader knowledge base of Asian American history, Vianca dedicates herself to studying this subject from various perspectives, such as literature, literacy, music, art, communication, and religion. After digesting course materials, she always prepares ahead lecture notes to summarize important points and concepts for students to follow in the class. Her ability to lead class discussion effectively is also impressive.

- Jui Ching Wang

Marisol Perez, MA, CCC-SLP, has been my doctoral student in the interdisciplinary Health Sciences PhD program since 2017. I left NIU in 2018 but continue to work with her.

Marisol Perez, MA, CCC-SLP, has been an eager and inquisitive student whose inquiry carries over to her research plans. She has taken the initiative to apply for (and be awarded) grants before her dissertation had even started. Through the process of gathering pilot data and preparing for her prospectus, Marisol has been determined to conduct clinically based research with an understudied population to promote health equity and inform clinicians on how to provide culturally responsive services. Marisol demonstrates educational experience enriched by clinical experience and asks good questions, which is necessary for successful design and establishment of a research program. It has been wonderful working with Marisol and we appreciate having her as a student.

- Danai Kasambira Fannin, PhD CCC-SLP

Bailey Raab has been a reliable, thoughtful, and insightful TA to work with. Bailey, it's so great to have you on the teaching team, helping our students to learn and -- in particular -- to be come stronger writers.

- Emily McKee

Sara Rietman has overcome many obstacles to produce effective and consistent promotional items for NIU Recreation.

We appreciate our marketing graduate student's reliability, productivity and dedication to design standards; while carrying consistent designs through our various marketing channels. Design highlights include: MP4 Lobby TV Screens, Tabletop Displays and Lobby Pillar Wraps.

- Lee Ann Gustafson

Thank you Nazia for being an outstanding graduate student and GA! Your command of the subject matter is AWESOME!!!

- Clayton Camic

Thekra is doing something I could never consider, in working toward a clinical doctorate in a language that was not her home language: Thekra is doing double work every step of the way. I appreciate Thekra's knowledge of herself, her willingness to find ways to improve her work, and her willingness to communicate openly about her thoughts and experiences. She is what it means to be a graduate student and NIU is lucky to have her.

- Danica Billingsly

Elizabeth Wyman (BIOS) & Madison Payne (EAE) are peer group mentors for STEM students in the BELONG in STEM program. Their thoughtfulness and compassion provide a space for our STEM students to build relationships with one another, share their struggles and celebrate their successes. Madison & Liz are doing important work to help our students find belonging at NIU.

- Nicole LaDue

I would like to acknowledge Nani Quezada, Cassia Perry, and Britton Johnson for all of their hardwork on behalf of the Center for Black Studies. They provide support both students and staff in anyway that they can and do so with grace. They have all grown so much and the CBS would not be able to do what it does without them.

- Gaylen Rivers

Ayesha Ferroz, Sera Cummings, and Cristina Alvarez Paredes. These ladies were very dedicated ASP instructors and made a huge impact on my success in my first semester while attending ASP. They are awesome and deserve recognition.

- Omni McCollum

I want to recognize the graduating class of Communication M.A. students. They are some of the best graduate students I have gotten to work with at NIU, and I appreciate their skills and all of them so much!

Temilade Adeeko
Sepideh Anvari
Kieran Benson
Mia Bonds
Elizabeth Mitchell
Imani "Nia" Norris
Robert Poyser
Kendall Rugebregt
Jeniece Smith

Graduate students are exceptionally rewarding students to teach and work with. Their interests ignite my interests, and they always help me think and learn along with them.

- Kate Cady

Cindy Koh: Amazing work with our Graduate Student's Association's communications: Newsletter, Media, Colloquium teamwork with the event planning.

Saurav Mukhopadhyay: Always being ready, willing, and most highly skilled, sharing his talents with all projects involving technology and research. He is known for being very reliable and good attitude with faculty, staff, and peers.

Jane Hsia: New student this semester and she has jumped in - braving the winter and we are very happy to have her in our program and working with us.

Angie Cheng: Incredibly dedicated and hard working, always ready to take any assignment and bring her best!

Riyani Riyani: we are very fortunate to have her start our program, join us with her very positive attitude and willingness to smile while new assignments pop-up.

There are unique challenges to be a graduate student. The seriousness of the focus and level of study has a very different intensiy than undergraduate. The journey is more independently driven and traveled. There's a maturity that is required and also develops along the way.

- Judy Puskar

I would like to recognize two fellow classmates, Jill Bruellman and Melina Baer. I enjoy being in class with them, look forward to learning from their presentations, and respect their work!

- Christine

I would like to recognize leaders of the English Graduate Student Association: Melina Baer, Karina Diaz, and Faye Scott for their extraordinary communication skills and community engagement efforts among fellow grad students in the English department.

EGSA members have worked hard to "build-back" so me of the programs and community programming in the English department in our "post-Covid" era. Their welcoming, friendly messages with advice, resources, and award announcements are engaging and much needed! We are so proud to have them leading the graduate students forward this year. Well done!

- Melissa Adams-Campbell

ALL of our graduate students are remarkable, but I want to highlight the work of the extraordinary officers of our English Graduate Student Association this year: Melina Baer, Karina Diaz, and Faye Scott. These three are working tremendously hard at rebuilding the sense of community post-COVID among their peers in our department through hosting social events, putting together a SharePoint site to share information and materials, and highlighting professional and other opportunities for graduate students, all while working full-time on their own doctoral degrees. They never fail to share of their time and energy to improve their classmates' experience at NIU, and are simply delightful human beings to boot. Huge thanks to them all for all they're doing!

- Alexandra Bennett

It's not easy to be a graduate student and manage life in and outside school. I appreciate their [Anna Hansen, Shannon Landon, Janell McCann] dedication and hard work towards building a career. My [Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy (SMFT)] cohort and seniors have been helpful in looking out for each other and just being there.

- Ruchika Jain

Katie, Harold, Ann, Josh
I am so glad that I can work with all of you as you pursue your doctoral degree!
You are appreciated!

- Jeanne Isabel

I am always very appreciative of our outstanding KNPE students. And I wanted to say thank you to the graduate students (Sara Atkins, Brittney Aldape, and Nazia Saiyed) for all their hard work and dedication to the department during their time at NIU.

- Dr. Chomentowski

Thank you Marissa Beldon, Patrice Walker, Elizabeth Williams for your dedication and hard work. It does not go unnoticed. Please know that you are appreciated today and every day! Continue pushing forward. I cannot wait to see the contributions that you make to the field! Thank you!

- Dr. Shondra Clay

Kiana Campbell, Megan Nordstrom, Fernando Gonzalez- our GA team leads coordination and scheduling for group visits on campus ranging from 25-150 students from high schools/community based organizations and take special care to ensure the best experience possible for all guests. They cater to a variety of students needs and coordinate with campus partners to present the most appropriate information for each group.

In the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, GAs are not just student employees, but they serve as colleagues, often bringing a new perspectives and ideas to current processes and policies. They use the knowledge gained from their programs to implement innovation to our programs and the most current best practices in our field. We are fortunate to learn from our GAs and have them enrich our experiences as working professionals.

- Mayra Lagunas

Graduate students bring diverse experiences to the classroom that challenge us and make us rethink how we engage with education and knowledge acquisition. They are striving to improve the world, and I am thankful for all of our graduate students.

- Tamara Boston

NIU's Audiology graduate students are thoughtful, hopeful, driven, solutions-oriented, ethical, hard-working young professionals. One of the greatest joys of my work is to see them come into their own, overcome the challenges inherent in a demanding program of study, and emerge as colleagues I respect and admire.

- Danica Billingsly

Graduate students have such a passion to learn and take advantage of opportunities. Their energy is contagious and getting to be a part of this chapter in their lives is humbling. I am so grateful for the graduate students who continue to challenge ME to grow and learn. Graduate students, you are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated!

- Anna Cannone

Our graduate students keep the wheels of the university turning. They are committed, enthusiastic, and driven. Our department thrives because of the dedication that our grads show to their research, teaching, and service. We are so grateful for them each and every day! Thank you, grads!!!

- Jennifer Koop

Dear College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Graduate Students,

We so appreciate all that you do here at NIU! You add to the intellectual vitality of our campus in so many ways. You are great teachers, mentors, scholars, and artists. You help make our campus vibrant through your engagement in your units and in our community. As we approach the end of the semester, I wish you great success as you finish your final projects. You've got this!!

Go Graduate Huskies!!!
Bob Brinkmann, Dean, CLAS

I appreciate the CLAS graduate students' for their dedication and support for NIU's research and teaching missions. They play a critical role in the success of NIU through research, scholarship, innovation, teaching and mentoring. Their passion and hard work are shaping the future of their fields and making a difference in the lives of people locally, nationally and around the globe! Thank you!!

- Leslie Matuszewich

In this case, I would like to recognize all of our practicing educators who are SO busy in such stressful and important jobs all day. Then, in the evenings and on the weekends, they engage in their graduate studies to learn new skills and to think about complex topics that challenge their prior knowledge - all with the goal of improving learning for students and the environments in which educators can be successful!

- Jason Klein

As the director of digital marketing programs, I get to work very closely with our online graduate students in the MSDM students. Being a graduate school is special-- not only is there unique real-world experience each student brings to the discussion, but there is a passion for learning that makes these students stand out and enriches the NIU community.

I am so grateful and proud that I get to work with our graduate students at NIU. They challenge me to learn more as much as I challenge them, and this collaborative effort is what makes my job that much for fun. Thank you, Graduate Students (especially our online graduate students) for being a part of our NIU community!

- Jaclyn Crawford

I always appreciate how hard our Econ PhD/MA students are working. The earlier cohorts go through challenging classes, while the more advanced students are working on research - which is always a tough proposition! Meanwhile, they're juggling jobs as TAs, families, and their health. So I just wanted to give them a shout out and thank them for trying so hard and keeping up as best they can.

- Anna Klis

The level of work our graduate students are involved in is nothing short of amazing! I find our students to be creative, innovative, edu-techo pioneers while also having excellent foundational research skills, critical thinking, inquiry and evidence based learning practices.

- Judy Puskar

The English Department's MA and PhD students have always been superstars. Many of them have an assistantship teaching First-Year Composition classes as well as completing their own coursework.

It's a great idea to finally recognize their talent and accomplishments on campus, in the classroom, and their impact on our world. We are grateful for their commitment to us, the undergrad students, and their love of English.

- Angie Gasero

Graduate students are at the core of what we do at NIU: they explore ideas in novel ways, experiment with different approaches, and learn from one another as they take our disciplines in new directions. The vibrancy of their curiosity is apparent in the classroom not only where they learn, but often also where they teach as crucial parts of so many programs. Ultimately, they're the next generations of scholars, teachers, writers, and creators: NIU is a richer place for their being here.

- Alexandra Bennett

As Dean of the Graduate School, I try to celebrate graduate students each and every day. I love Graduate Student Appreciation week because it allows all of us to take time to show our appreciation for the valuable work that our diverse graduate students do for NIU. I hope you join us in the activities this week that were designed to honor YOU! And don't forget to take time for yourself as a way to honor this week (and every other week).

- Kerry Wilks

I have the privilege of reading theses and dissertations completed by graduate students from across the university. I appreciate our graduate students' pursuit of challenging questions and problems, their commitment to excellence, and most of all, their valuable contributions to knowledge and greater understanding in our world.

- Carolyn Law

Thank you to all the students in the program! I am extremely grateful for all of you!

- Andrew Notebaert

The Graduate Students in the History Department breath so much intellectual life into NIU. They help faculty and undergraduates as graduate workers and engage nationally and internationally with scholars in their fields. Our graduate students are also hosting their own conference on Friday, April 7 in Swen Parsons during Graduate Student Appreciation Week. Come check it out!

- Andy Bruno

Sending a special "thank you" to the Graduate Assistants within NIU Athletics. They are the glue that keeps the department running, and we cannot express our gratitude enough for all of their hard work and dedication while balancing the rigors of Graduate School. Keep up the great work!

- Lynsey Bernardy

Dear KNPE Graduate Students:

Thanks for all of the great work you do in our department. You support our teaching, research, and outreach programs in important ways. You help us shine and make us proud. Keep up the hard work, have fun, and appreciate every moment of this chapter in your lives as we appreciate you.

Sincerely,
Dr. Paul Wright

To All KNPE Grad Students:

We can't thank you enough for all the hard work, support, and dedication you provide our department. We are continually inspired and impressed by all the great work you do. We appreciate and value all of you!

Keep Crushing and Go Huskies!
Dr. Steve Howell

The opportunity to collaborate with graduate students was one of the main reasons that drew me to NIU almost twenty years ago. Over that time, I've had the opportunity to work closely and publish with several graduate students. Through those interactions, my graduate students have helped make me a better researcher.

- Matt Streb

I'm recognizing the hard work, dedication, contribution, and life-long learning perception of all graduate students at NIU.

- Rothsethamony Seng

The graduate students in the School of Music bring strong contributions to every area of the department. Whether providing valuable teaching assistance, enhancing performance, setting up or recording concerts, or providing accompaniment for choirs or individuals, we are so lucky to have them in our community. Their invaluable contributions truly make the School of Music a more dynamic and excellent place to teach and learn.

- Mary Lynn Doherty

When I'm assisting students with their research at the Research Help Desk in the Learning Commons, I get to learn about the amazing work they are doing. From textual analysis to developing lesson plans, the research that our graduate students engage in is interesting and innovative. They always inspire me, and I get to learn something new every day!

- Kimberly Shotick

Working with graduate students in the College of Education is one of the highlights of my work! Our graduate students are curious and creative and I'm honored to support their research!

- Alissa Droog