Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC) Engaging and Amplifying Staff Voices

Name: Eric Budzynski
Title: Associate Director of Spiritual Wellness & Contemplative Practice
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-budzynski-518a54132/
Unit and School/College: Center for Awareness Response & Education/Health Promotion and Wellness & Religious and Spiritual Life | Student Affairs
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2010
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2022

Why did you join NUSAC?  As a seasoned Northwestern staff member, I joined NUSAC to create actionable change to better the staff experience here. I wanted to ensure that student-facing staff, who have particular needs and are often bound by the demands of the academic calendar, would have substantial voices in these conversations.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC?  I am delighted by the range of roles and diversity of staff represented in NUSAC. I am most impressed with the average length of service to the institution from members! Go Cats!

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff?  I am passionate about improving and exceeding the expectations of our benefits from Northwestern. It is critical to keep these standards above our peer institutions to ensure that we are attracting the brightest and best to these hallowed halls!

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern?  I truly enjoy the privilege of being an alum and returning to work at Northwestern in a student-facing capacity. The mutuality, enrichment, and delight in engaging with students continue to be transformational and impactful in my professional and personal life. Also, I have had many opportunities for rich professional development over my time here and am very proud that my original position and portfolio barely resemble its original design.

What is a little-known fun fact about you?  A little-known fun fact about me is that I worked in Religious & Spiritual Life as a student 24 years ago and have been on 52 days of silent meditation retreats.

Name: Alex Steinberg
Title: Senior Program Coordinator
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrasteinbergil/
Unit and School/College: Feinberg School of Medicine
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2019
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2024

Why did you join NUSAC? I joined NUSAC because it offers the opportunity to represent colleagues’ interests, influence organizational decisions, and contribute to a positive work environment.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? That it EXISTS! Most of my closest colleagues had no idea what NUSAC was before I joined.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? I’m passionate about enhancing the NU experience for staff through improved onboarding processes by instituting a one to two-day institutional onboarding session before new hires join their departments. This comprehensive approach ensures consistency in introducing Northwestern’s mission, values, and culture to all employees right from the start. It covers essential policies, procedures, and resources, fosters early networking, and emphasizes diversity and inclusion initiatives.  Streamlining departmental onboarding allows new hires to integrate faster and feel more prepared for their roles, ultimately contributing to a more positive and supportive work environment at NU.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? What I find most enjoyable about my work at Northwestern University is the culture of collaboration that permeates every aspect of the institution. Whether it’s within my immediate team or across departments, there’s a genuine spirit of cooperation and shared goals. Collaborating with colleagues brings fresh perspectives and diverse expertise, enriching our projects and initiatives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how pooling our strengths leads to innovative solutions and positive outcomes that benefit our students, faculty, and the broader community. This collaborative environment not only fosters professional growth but also creates a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that makes every day at Northwestern fulfilling and inspiring.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? Pottery is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a passion that provides a creative outlet and a deep sense of fulfillment. Working with clay on the wheel allows me to immerse myself in a tactile and therapeutic process where I can shape and mold something beautiful from scratch. From centering the clay to trimming and glazing, each step requires patience, precision, and creativity.

Name: Colleen Kjellberg
Title: Academic Advisor
LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-k-086820162
Unit and School/College: Student Services/School of Professional Studies
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2018
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2024

Why did you join NUSAC? I joined NUSAC to connect with others outside of my department and advocate for staff wellbeing initiatives at the university level.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? We want to hear from you! NUSAC advocates for all staff members regardless of location, title, or status, and community engagement is a crucial tool to help us achieve our goals.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? I am passionate about advocating for increased transparency across the University and supporting initiatives that promote opportunities for professional advancement.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? I absolutely love working with passionate, driven colleagues who are dedicated to ensuring institutional excellence through supporting students, faculty, and staff. I have had the opportunity to partner with some incredible offices across the University and am always challenged to problem-solve in new ways.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I taught English in Korea many years ago and it ignited a deep passion for solo travel. I want to travel solo to each continent someday. Next stop: Portugal in Spring 2025!

Name: Christian Murau
Title: Senior Benefits Financial Analyst
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-murau-74a183b3/
Unit and School/College: Office of Human Resources, Benefits
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2022
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2024

Why did you join NUSAC? Northwestern is an amazing place to work! I have really enjoyed my two-plus years here. Since the pandemic, and with work-from-home becoming such a big trend, I think it is even more important to have organizations such as NUSAC that work to bring employees together physically through events held on campus or at sporting events. I firmly believe that the more we can bring employees together, the better we are off as a whole.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? NUSAC unites the entire Northwestern University staff together! There are so many departments and schools within Northwestern that having staff members from all over is a great way to bring people together.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? Taxable tuition imputes. This is a big part of my job as a benefits analyst at Northwestern and I believe it could be made better with improved communication to employees who use the benefit, as well as staff members who are exploring the benefit. This benefit is an amazing part of working at Northwestern but the effect that taking classes can have on your paycheck is often misunderstood. I would like to add some clarity to the process!

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? The PEOPLE! It is unlike any workplace I have worked in before – fast-paced, accepting, diverse, and smart.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I have lived in 4 different countries outside of the US – Germany, Japan, China, and Australia.

Name: Alex Schultes
Title: Assistant Dean for the Student Experience
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexschultes/
Unit and School/College: Northwestern Qatar
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2016
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2022

Why did you join NUSAC? I joined NUSAC to serve as an advocate for staff on our campus and to relay critical information – we’re 7,000 miles away, but all of us are Northwestern Wildcats at heart!

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? The most important thing that our peers should know is that their voice is always heard (even when they don’t think it is). There is great collaboration between NUSAC members, and we are continuously brainstorming about ways to improve the staff experience, raising awareness, and bouncing ideas off one another.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? What initially drew me to Northwestern was the great work environment. I’m passionate about staff engagement and how we can collaborate together to make this a fun, productive, supportive, and healthy place to live and learn.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? I really enjoy working with our Qatar-based students. It has been an incredibly rewarding time partnering with fantastic colleagues on all campuses as we support the student journey.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I’ve lived in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia and Qatar) for more than a decade.

Name: Lisa Jene Collins
Title: Business Administrator
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisajenecollins
Unit and School/College: Earth and Planetary Sciences, Environmental Sciences/WCAS
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2013
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2021

Why did you join NUSAC? From day one at Northwestern, I had the desire to serve on NUSAC to connect our staff voices and staff experiences in productive ways to our institution’s priorities. I was disappointed not to be able to join in my first year of employment. As an alum of NU, I felt prepared to provide a meaningful voice from the get go. It took me a few years of participating at the School level providing staff input, where I served 6 years on Weinberg’s Staff Advisory Board. I still felt the call to apply to NUSAC and hopefully increase the visibility of the NUSAC staff advocacy and what that meant for staff, contribute to the positive transparency of institutional knowledge shared back to staff especially around policies and procedures and to see how from within NUSAC we could inspire staff to enjoy the institution as much as we highlight the opportunities for enhancement. Diversity of staff voices is important within this advisory board.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? NUSAC is a collaborative body focused on lifting up staff voices so important issues remain heard by our leadership, acknowledging we are at the table. But, I would also want my colleagues to know, NUSAC is just as importantly a group of staff who hold NU’s success as pivotal to creating a solid platform for staff experiences to be enriched.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? I am most passionate about helping staff “find their happy place at NU”. We are not always content and NU cannot perfectly address all the important concerns highlighted in a given year; but, we can find where we as staff are most excited, most inspired and we can help build pathways for that type of growth for all staff. Right now staffers have to carve out their own path, finding where the resources and opportunities exist. Northwestern is filled with deep resources for networking, mentorship, self-assessment and career growth. We just need to do a better job at integrating this into the framework of staff employment. Like the PEX requirement, having career development benchmarks and assessments built into the staff experience, which encourage exploration or enhancement would be a great achievement.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? I love problem solving and finding a solution that is repeatable, sharable and stands the test of time. Northwestern is filled with so many opportunities to create new processes and streamline business workflow, especially now supporting more effectively and completely the partial remote environment. Collaborating with other units and central services brings such rich conversations and outcomes. I would like to see more collaborative sharing in NU’s business work spaces at every level. Best ideas come from these cross-pollinated spaces.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I played the flute in the marching band at Loyola Academy High School and the legacy of the band director’s training came from a prior band director of NU’s marching band. I decided to go to NU for my undergrad because of that experience – Excellence, always with a capital “E”. In a world where people are encouraged to give “C” work and receive 100% credit for excellence, I always looked for places where “A+” was the bottom and you only strove to achieve higher from there!

Name: Rebecca Erickson
Title: Senior Clinical Veterinarian
LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-erickson-79b52834 
Unit and School/College: Center for Comparative Medicine, Office for Research
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2016
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2021

Why did you join NUSAC? I decided to join NUSAC during the pandemic. My unit is composed mostly of essential staff who provide on-site animal care 365 days a year. Witnessing the dedication of our team showing up every day in the face of COVID and civil unrest highlighted the particular challenges of our work environment and compelled me to champion all our essential workers to ensure their efforts are recognized and their concerns are heard.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? We want you to join us! We recruit new members every year during our spring Membership Drive. Please consider applying to join a diverse and passionate group of council members and help us advocate for our fellow staff.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? Improving transparency at all levels. University and unit leaders are critical to embracing organizational transparency, but we can all work to foster a culture of trust and open communication.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? Every day I get to learn about the pioneering biomedical research performed at Northwestern, and I’m constantly amazed at the innovation of our faculty, students, and staff. I love the challenge of helping researchers refine their animal models to accomplish their scientific objectives while ensuring optimal animal welfare.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I played flute in the NU Marching Band throughout undergrad. Go ‘Cats!

Name: Kristin Jacobson
Title: Administrative Assistant IV
Unit and School/College: Feinberg School of Medicine
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2018
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2023

Why did you join NUSAC? To me, NUSAC serves an important and vital function at Northwestern, linking staff together across departments and colleges and campuses, serving as the sounding board to the university leadership and providing a counterpoint to the faculty council vis-à-vis every day working conditions.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? That we are here to work for you! I think that most staff feel a little isolated within their teams, programs, or colleges, and, because NUSAC is a University-wide group, we can be easy to overlook while caught up in the day-to-day demands of work. Although our highest-profile work is on “big issue” events that concern staff at all levels, like the July 2023 Town Hall with President Schill or the compensation talkback with the University Finance and HR leadership, we are also invested in individual-level initiatives like NUCares and the annual ice cream socials. I would encourage everyone to check out our website and contact a NUSAC member from your school or campus with any questions.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? Staff Engagement seems to me to be a critical issue in the wake of the societal upheavals of the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd uprisings, as well as evolving changes to the work environment itself. We work at one of the great universities, but I think that staff are often cut off from experiencing the most the university has to offer as a cultural institution. I believe there are real opportunities to be had through tailored cultural and intellectual activities–a lecture series, a concert series, opportunities to experience the arts–that a university setting can provide for its staff community.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern?The thing I enjoy most about my work at Northwestern is my colleagues! Everyone I interact with at Northwestern is dedicated and professional and here to help make your work day better. I love that my work at Feinberg directly supports the future health of Chicagoans. I am also proud to work for an institution that is addressing its own history of structural racism and other institutionalized oppressions in a forthright manner. NU leadership’s commitment to openness around these big issues are one of the reasons I continue to be proud to work here.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I am an avid theater-goer and opera fan. I grew up in suburban New York, and I’ve seen live performances all over the world–and I am big, big booster of our hometown Chicago theater and dance scene–we are a town full of working performers, which is such a gift. Live performances are my jam! So do feel free to invite me to yours, but I warn you, I’ll probably show up 

Name: Rebekah Sigman
Title: Assistant Director of Community Relations
LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahsigman
Unit and School/College: Department of Athletics and Recreation
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2016
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2023

Why did you join NUSAC? During my time at Northwestern, I have been fortunate to see many different sides of the university – from working in an academic unit, to working in athletics, and serving with The Association of Northwestern University Women. I believe this is a nuanced combination of experiences that affords me a unique perspective. I wanted to bring this perspective and passion to NUSAC, as I have benefited from their work since joining the staff in 2016. My favorite aspect of working here is the people, and serving on NUSAC affords me the opportunity to both get to know and serve a larger population of people.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? For volunteer staff groups, it is not always clear what is within and outside of their capacity. I think it is important to know that NUSAC is a group of volunteers, but they are a passionate group who willingly devote extra time to the university community. That perspective helps to frame our scope and mission.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? Because I believe the best thing about the university is its people, I would like to increase community building and engagement amongst the staff. As staff, I believe we struggle to set clear expectations of what that could look like because we exist in dozens of different departments and units. We cannot fully undo our silos, but I believe we can exist in a more shared space.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? Generally, it is absolutely the people! I have met the most wonderful and passionate people through my work at Northwestern. Additionally, in my specific role, I love that I can broaden that to the entire community. I am always connecting with non-profits, school districts, community leaders, etc. – and that is undoubtedly the best part of my role.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I share the same birthday as my sister, but I am not a twin! We were born four years apart to the day.

Name: Jack Thomas Taylor
Title: Associate Curator and Manager of Exhibition Planning
Unit and School/College: The Media Majlis at Northwestern Qatar
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2017
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2023

Why did you join NUSAC? To help drive change.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? We work for you!

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? Continuously improving, evaluating and developing.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? Being in a fast-paced, creative, and diverse environment.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I collect keycards from all the hotels that I stay in, I’m an amateur art collector (hoarder), and I moved to the Middle East when I was 18.

Name: Analiz Castillo
Title: Research Data Analyst
Unit and School/College: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2019
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2023

Why did you join NUSAC? I decided to join NUSAC because I recognized the value it offers in terms of being an active change-agent and promoting the welfare of staff members at Northwestern University. As a staff member myself, I understand firsthand the significance of having a strong and supportive work environment. I am genuinely committed to working together with fellow council members to identify and address the concerns and issues that are important to our community. By being a part of NUSAC, I see an opportunity to make a positive impact, advocate for the needs of staff members, and contribute to creating a work environment that fosters well-being and success for everyone.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? The most important thing NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC is that it is their dedicated platform for voicing concerns and advocating for their welfare at Northwestern University.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? The issue I am most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff is creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace. I strongly believe that every staff member should feel valued, respected, and represented regardless of their background or identity. I am passionate about advocating for equitable opportunities, promoting diversity in leadership positions, and fostering a culture of inclusivity where everyone’s voice is heard and celebrated. By addressing this issue, we can create a more vibrant and supportive NU community that embraces and celebrates the unique contributions of all staff members.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? What I find most enjoyable about my work at Northwestern is the dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. Collaborating with talented individuals from various disciplines and backgrounds fuels my curiosity and ignites innovative thinking. It’s a place where I can constantly learn and grow, surrounded by a community that values knowledge and fosters creativity.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I am also a musician, originally from Quito Ecuador, and a chocaholic.

Name: Erin Johnson
Title: Coordinator of Communications
LINKEDIN: http://linkedin.com/in/erinkjohnson1 
Unit and School/College: Center for Talent Development/SESP
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2018
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2023

Why did you join NUSAC? I joined NUSAC because I felt that it would be a great opportunity to advocate for Northwestern staff and network with peers across the university. I also wanted to be an advocate for my unit and department so that my colleagues’ concerns and thoughts are acknowledged and addressed.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? NUSAC is here to serve you as well as provide a sense of community for staff.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? I am passionate about retaining our talented staff members and making sure that they are aware of the professional development options that are available to them.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? My colleagues at CTD and the work we do to serve gifted students from all backgrounds.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I am a musician and studied music up until college. During grad school at NU, I produced music (or at least tried to!). I am also related to a famous jazz musician.

Name: Chris Yohe
Title: Director, Environmental Health & Safety
Unit and School/College: Department of Safety & Security
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2017
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2023

Why did you join NUSAC? My current responsibilities support Northwestern’s educational and research mission by protecting the university community from injuries and illnesses and serving on NUSAC augments these efforts to ensure staff wellbeing.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? NUSAC is a passionate group of diverse individuals representing a broad cross-section of the staff community who possess a genuine desire to improve staff experience.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? I am passionate about finding new, dynamic methods to keep staff engaged, informed, supported, and empowered within the Northwestern community.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? I enjoy establishing relationships and collaborating with a wide range of campus partners to identify sustainable solutions to ensure the safety and health of the campus community.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I have worked in over 15 countries.

Name: Lindsey Dugue
Title: Course Support Specialist
LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-dugue
Unit and School/College: Finance Dept., Kellogg School of Management
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2018
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2023

Why did you join NUSAC? I am learning that I find a lot of joy in advocating for my peers and colleagues, in offering opportunities to learn and participate in “non-work work” that may not come naturally, and I enjoy networking. I hope that my joining NUSAC will help me connect with others as much as it will help me connect others out there who may be looking for a lifeline.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? NUSAC is here for all of US! It’s meant to be a council to connect, explore, and assist when those times are needed.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? I am very excited to share with NU staff how to maximize the excellent benefits we have available, as well as give them spaces to connect with others across different units.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? I love the teams I work with, I love the minutiae of the work I do. In general, I enjoy “knowing things” and my work gives me a lot of satisfaction to be a sort of expert in the tasks I do every day.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? In a former life, I was a pastry cook.

Name: Samuel Okun-Perlin
Title: Financial Administrator
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-okun-perlin/
Unit and School/College: Graduate Student Funding, The Graduate School
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2017
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2021

Why did you join NUSAC?  I have always believed that it is important to have a voice at the table. I joined NUSAC to advocate for my colleagues across Northwestern, at all campuses, and to support the link between staff and senior leadership. Staff culture can feel very siloed and joining NUSAC has allowed me to build a community with peers I would probably have never met otherwise.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC?  NUSAC is made up of staff volunteers who work tirelessly to build community among and bring forth change to campus administrators. With that said, we are only as successful as you allow us to be: Get involved! Share your concerns! Together we can really make a difference.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff?  Staff recognition and fair compensation are vital aspects to the success of the University. No department or School can succeed without their front-line, boots-on-the-ground staff, and it should be a top priority to address the concerns of this population to increase retention and promote growth within their units.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? The people I work with and the community I have built. Northwestern offers a variety of opportunities to get involved and reach beyond the confines of your job. In joining a number of councils and committees here, I have met peers who have become friends, and better understood the world of higher education outside my career bubble.

What is a little-known fun fact about you?  I have been performing on stage since I was three years old and received my bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. As time goes on, I find myself more interested in writing for the stage, but also recently developed a passion for stand-up comedy. Nothing more thrilling (and nerve-racking) than performing your own material and hoping the audience laughs!

Name: Jennifer Gerrard
Title:  Senior Director, Global Engagement and Intercultural Initiatives
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gerrard-00838633/
Unit and School/College: Office of the Vice President for International Relations
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2010
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2022

Why did you join NUSAC?  I joined NUSAC primarily because of its impressive track record of making a positive difference for Northwestern staff members. It has played such a crucial role in working with university leadership to advance important initiatives, such as the enhancement of gender inclusivity in university policies and the securement of the winter recess for staff. These accomplishments make a tangible difference in the lives, both personal and professional, of university staff.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC?  NUSAC wants to hear your thoughts! We encourage everyone to reach out with their ideas and concerns. Every NUSAC meeting has time set aside for bringing issues or suggestions to the table that we are hearing from our colleagues.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff?  I am passionate about the wealth of knowledge and experience that Northwestern staff bring to work every day, and finding ways to leverage that for the broader community. Our staff are committed to their professional development, and I believe we can better utilize our own in-house expertise to advance professional development and growth opportunities within the university.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? I enjoy how dynamic the work environment is at Northwestern. We have an unparalleled opportunity to be around some of the best and brightest staff, faculty, and students, so there are always new and interesting opportunities to learn and grow. I find that each year is very different from the last, with new challenges and projects.

What is a little-known fun fact about you?  You can sometimes find me tooling around town on a motor scooter. It’s a red Honda Metropolitan and very fun to ride (and you can’t beat the parking convenience on campus)!

Name: Beth Tucker
Title:  Program Advisor, Operations
Unit and School/College: Student Affairs/Northwestern Career Advancement
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2014
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2021

Why did you join NUSAC?  Prior to working at Northwestern, I worked in the Human Resources field and have always had a strong interest in creating positive work environments as way to enhance employee productivity and commitment. I felt that NUSAC’s ability to influence change, as well as Northwestern’s senior leadership’s commitment to this group, provided an exciting opportunity to contribute to enhancing the work environment and employee satisfaction at Northwestern.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC?  We are here to amplify staff voices. We have regular conversations with senior management and can provide feedback and advocacy when necessary.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff?  The benefits are really what brought me to Northwestern initially, so I’d like to make sure we continue to offer top of the line benefits as a way to attract and retain employees. I also am passionate about opportunities for career progression.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? Northwestern has great people – wonderful colleagues and amazing students. There is an opportunity to get involved outside of your immediate department and get to know more people across the university – like my work on NUSAC.

What is a little-known fun fact about you?  I help run a weekly soup kitchen in Evanston.

Name: Kristine Casman
Title: Senior Director of Business Operations
LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/kcasman5187
Unit and School/College: Northwestern University Libraries
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2014
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2020

Why did you join NUSAC? During my first few years at Northwestern, I served on the Association of Northwestern University Women (ANUW) executive board and I was impressed with the community building power of ANUW (and similar affinity/resource groups). The cross-campus collaboration broke down information silos, provided support outside of hierarchical structures, and most importantly, met the unique needs of their members. I feel like NUSAC has a similar mission, but on much a grander scale… Staff have unique needs and I wanted to be part of advocating for those needs to be met.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC?  We want to hear from you! NUSAC initiatives are driven by what we hear “on the ground” in our units and schools. We serve to amplify the voice of staff and drive change, so reach out and let us know what’s on your mind!

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? I am passionate about staff engagement and its link to job satisfaction. Northwestern is a large institution that has a multitude of benefits, resource groups, and professional development opportunities available to staff. I’m involved with NUSAC because I want these offerings to continue grow and meet the evolving needs of our staff members.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? As staff in higher education, we tend to be the unseen force that makes everything happen; and for me there is nothing better than witnessing someone achieve their goal or deliver on their mission, all while knowing you played a hand in making it come to fruition.

What is a little-known fun fact about you?  I studied Elementary Education in college, however, I never stepped foot in a formal classroom after graduation. My degree brought me to Chicago back in 2010, where my first job was at the Museum of Science and Industry! After a short stent at MSI, I spent the next 4 years coordinating camp and youth programs at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Name: Funmilayo Ojikutu
Title:  Associate Director of Academic Advising
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/funmilayo-ojikutu/
Unit and School/College: School of Education and Social Policy
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2014
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2020

Why did you join NUSAC?  I joined NUSAC to learn more about the university, get to know other staff, and make an impact outside of my department.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? Staff should know that we genuinely care about their experience. The council represents staff from different departments, schools, and levels, allowing various voices to be heard.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? I am passionate about providing resources to meet staff where they are. We only see a portion of what a person is going through, and I appreciate NUSAC’s work to provide resources, including NU Cares, HR workshops, and a voice for staff to senior leadership.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? I love working with students. I am always amazed at how much they grow and develop during their time here. It is incredibly fulfilling knowing I am a part of that journey.

What is a little-known fun fact about you?  I love being creative and expressing it in different ways. My undergraduate degree is in dance, and I played the piano and oboe until high school. I have also dabbled in jewelry making, painting, and puzzles.

Name: Valerie Smith
Title: Associate Director of Admission
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-smith/
Unit and School/College: Office of Undergraduate Admission, Provost’s Office
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2017
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2019

Why did you join NUSAC? I joined NUSAC to advocate for my fellow staff members, support a strong relationship between staff and University leadership, and connect and learn from colleagues across the University. Northwestern is such a large and complex place, and NUSAC has been a great way to feel connected and get to know the University community outside of my office.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? NUSAC is a group created by staff, for staff. It’s a community of fellow staff members in a variety of different roles who understand the day-in, day-out experience of working at Northwestern. NUSAC members are deeply committed to making that experience as positive, productive, and inclusive as it possibly can be for everyone. It’s a fun and approachable group, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have a question or idea.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? Northwestern offers a lot of great benefits for staff members, and I care about making sure that staff are aware of all that is available to them and know how to take advantage of benefit programs and opportunities.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern?  Working alongside my talented, compassionate, optimistic, and innovative colleagues is the best part of my job. I love the energy of our campus community and the opportunity to engage with so many exciting aspects of college life: athletic events, visiting speakers, student performances and more.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? When I’m not at work, you can usually find me out and about in Evanston. I love running along the lakefront and exploring local restaurants and coffee shops. Evanston Pour on Dempster is a newer favorite!

Name: Wendy Roberts
Title: Journeyman Carpenter
Unit and School/College: Facilities Management
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2016
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2019

Why did you join NUSAC? I joined because I wanted to try and help make a difference and to represent the northwestern facilities team.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? The most important thing I think NU staff should know about NUSAC is how dedicated the members are to the entire staff community. It is a very diverse, talented and diligent team that listens to staff concerns and tries very hard to seek solutions.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? One issue I would like to see improvement on is transparency in all aspects of the  University.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? What I enjoy the most about working at Northwestern is the people I work with on a day to day basis.

What is a little-known fun fact about you? I have a small camp getaway in Virginia that has been an amazing place to decompress and enjoy the outdoors.

Name: Stephanie Cisneros
Title:  International Student Advisor
Unit and School/College: Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2011
Year Joined the NUSAC Council:  2020

Why did you join NUSAC?  NUSAC is an incredibly important staff affinity group at Northwestern University.  The council has made significant impacts to my professional life as a Northwestern staff member – 2017 staff survey, summer career workshops, extended winter break, and so much more.  My goal in joining NUSAC is to help move forward new initiatives with Northwestern’s senior leaders to improve the professional life of all Northwestern staff.

What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC?  Please connect with us! Reach out and share your ideas, input, feedback, concerns, anything at all. We want to hear from Northwestern staff from all of Northwestern’s campuses (I see you Coral Gables).  Use the contact form to reach out to NUSAC.

What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff?  Making sure staff voices are heard and represented in initiatives NUSAC focuses on each year.  In order for this to happen, we need to hear from staff – so please reach out to us.

What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? I absolutely love working in the field of international education and specifically working with international students. Through my time working at the OISS, I have had the great privilege to interact and engage with international visitors from over 100 countries around the world. These students bring so much diversity to this campus.  My favorite times of the week are my ZOOM appointments with my students.

What is a little-known fun fact about you?  Most of the artwork in my apartment is my own. I am a fan of photography and developing film and photographs.  I hope to one day have a darkroom at my future farm with some rescue horses, donkeys, and chickens.