Judy Santacaterina

What year did you start working at NIU?
1982

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
River Grove, Illinois, is my hometown, but I have lived in DeKalb for the last 40 years.

In what department do you work?
I work in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and am also adjunct faculty in the Department of Communication.

What is your job title?
I am director of the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree program and director of NIU Forensics (speech and debate).

Where did you attend school? What degree(s) did you earn?
I have B.A. and M.A. degrees in communication education from NIU.

If you attended college, were you a first-generation student? If so, what advice would you offer to current first generation students?
I often think of myself, along with my siblings (two of them also have NIU undergraduate and graduate degrees), as first generation. Technically, I was not first gen, since my dad had some college under the GI Bill, and my grandfather actually returned to college at 65 to complete an engineering degree, as well as my mom, who returned at 60 to complete her associate degree. I would offer the same advice to these students that I’ve offered over the last 40 years to students of all ages, from my freshmen to my BGS students, some of whom are in their 80s: "Your academic journey is an exciting, challenging and highly rewarding experience. You are not alone in this journey, and there is a wide range of resources to help you. It is often in the challenging times where you learn the most! Get involved in activities outside the classroom, keep an open mind and don't be afraid to ask questions! Remember there are many people who are here to assist you."

Describe your typical day—what do you do while at work?
In the last three years, I have realized that there really isn't a typical day. I have learned to expect the unexpected. For me, I continue to work in my office on the campus. I love that. Every day does consist of advising, coaching, teaching and learning. It is interesting that as an adviser I am also a coach and a teacher, as a speech coach I am teaching and advising, and when I am in one of my favorite places, the classroom, I am coaching and advising. What is really a blessing, is that every day, no matter what the situation, I am learning from my amazing co-workers, my wonderful supervisors and mentors, and of course my students.

What do you like about working at NIU?
That is easy: the people. I come from a big Italian family, and in the last 42 years NIU has become my second family. I have also been very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to "wear many hats" and explore different aspect of my professional life.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
You are and will forever be part of a supportive community. Your association with NIU does not end when you walk across the stage. Just as I tell the new students, "Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to ask questions and seek help."

What is important for students to know about the office/department that you work in? What student services does your office provide?
The CLAS advising office provides important services to students.

In what ways do you see your colleagues help student success?
The work of academic advisers is invaluable. I believe my colleagues are often unsung heroes. Advisers wear so many hats: we advise on curriculum, we help with career and goal setting, and we interface with numerous offices on campus. I continue to be amazed and inspired by the dedication and hard work of the CLAS academic advisers.

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
There are so many profound moments that continue to resonate. Every graduation is so exciting and inspiring, like last year, watching the amazing 90-year-old Joyce DeFauw receive her diploma after leaving NIIU in 1955 and returning to finish her BGS degree. I was honored to serve as her adviser. A beautiful personal memory is the dedication of "my tree" at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center that was given to me by my forensics students. The inscription says, "To Judy Santacaterina, Thank you for your love and guidance. We will always remember our roots. Love, ‘The Kids.’”

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
I have been recognized by my peers in the area of forensics with lifetime achievement awards for teaching, coaching and mentoring. I was honored as a distinguished alum of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and received the Sharon Howard: Faculty/Staff Who Make a Difference Award from the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW). I am proud to have been the coach for many national champion speakers, but that is more about the student and not me. I am proud of the BGS program and how it has grown over the years. It is the largest and oldest completion program at NIU. It has also been my honor to be recognized by my student-athletes as an "MVP."

What fulfills you personally and professionally?
My parents instilled in us a very strong work ethic. I like to think that going the extra mile and making a personal connection can make a difference. While some days are exhausting, it fulfills me to know I worked hard and did my best. I have had the honor of working with generations of students. There are students I coached when I was in my 20s who sent their children to my speech camp. I have had students I have advised and had in class and now have their children. My office is filled with pictures of former students, many of whom I have stayed in touch with over the years. I have been to their weddings and shared their joy and been with them during times of sorrow. I take such pride and joy in their accomplishments. They continue to teach and inspire me every day.

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
I have always been student centered; this was something my NIU mentors and teachers taught me. My work in forensics created a space for all students to engage in active learning. For many, it changed their lives, and they found a place to share their voice. I believe that I appreciate all members of the NIIU community. I have the utmost respect for faculty, administrators and so many of the unsung staff members. I believe that I have committed myself to service and to sharing my talents with others.

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?
Yes, I have always had an amount taken out of my paycheck to the NIU Foundation. We support the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and NIU Forensics. These are all areas that have impacted me as well as my husband, who is recently retired from the Department of Communication. My philosophy is that I maintain a strong reverence for the past (especially those mentors and teachers), as well as a commitment and dedication to the present, and look to the future with hope and promise.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
I think I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. How blessed I am to have lived that dream.

Are you participating in or have you participated in any NIU shared governance or professional development groups? If so, how has your participation enhanced your experience as an employee?
I have served on Supportive Professional Staff Council and have served on PSCW for many years. I have also been a volunteer and consultant for a variety of individuals and organizations through workshops for public speaking and communication skills.

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 am the longest-standing member of the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association (and the first woman to serve on the board). I am an active participant and former president of the Illinois Communication and Theater Association. This has been vital in recruiting high school, transfer and graduate students to NIU. NIU Forensics has long been considered the "cradle of coaches." At the present time, there are over 10 Illinois community colleges with coaches who are NIU alums.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
My husband and I love the theater. We also like to golf (and we are both extremely bad golfers, so we don't keep score). We are avid sports fans, but he, sadly, is a Cubs fan and I am a Sox fan. We are avid Huskie fans and try to attend many sporting events. As opposed to my complete lack of talent on the golf course, I am a good cook. I love to cook and we love to entertain. We also cherish time spent with our extended family.

Do you have any hobbies or interesting personal pursuits you're involved with in your spare time?
My husband and I love trivia and never miss a day of Jeopardy.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
For many years I gave a presentation at orientation to the parents of freshmen. I would share my NIU story and the story of my two sisters who are NIU alums. I would tell them that while so much has changed over the years, so much remains the same. One of those things is the dedication of the NIU family. I promised them that, “We care about your student and their success.” I believe I continue to honor that promise.