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Staff Spotlight: Joe Lattal

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Joe Lattal

Title: Assistant Director

Department: Student Organizations & Activities

Where are you from?  Madison, Wisconsin

What brought you to Student Affairs?
Student Affairs is my third career. After finding another field unfulfilling, I decided to step away and reflect on where I thought I would be happiest professionally. Thoughts continuously returned to my time as a college student where most memories stemmed from the hours involved in campus media and student organizations. As a senior, I developed a relationship with the advisor of our student-run radio station and began researching the qualifications to apply for that role. The prospect of a Master’s degree related to higher education or student affairs was completely new to me, but I am tremendously fortunate that I was able to complete my coursework and intern on the same campus that I now consider home.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern?  5

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
The amount of ambition, creativity, and intelligence that surrounds me is inspiring. I am grateful that Northwestern is an environment where students truly want to make the most of their time here. I have enjoyed supporting students in their pursuits, assisting them with navigating campus policies and seeking resources, and advising them through interpersonal challenges. Whether it’s at a higher level, such as planning the fall organization fair, or more direct, such as long conversations with students about personal challenges at Northwestern, the work is so rewarding.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?
Take the time to get to know colleagues outside of your area. Often our office has ideas for initiatives or events, and we rely heavily on connecting with folks from other areas to have a bigger impact with our work. Take the time to get to know students as well. They’re amazing!

What can’t you live without?
My bike! I started commuting via bike when I lived in Bucktown, Chicago in 2015 and it’s a fixture for my daily routine. It’s a little more convenient since I moved closer to campus, but it’s a great way to start the day and allows me to notice more of my surroundings, take time away from distractions, and stay in shape.

How do you like to spend your free time?
I like exploring the blocks of my home neighborhood, Uptown/Chicago with the family, heading to Montrose Beach in the summertime, keeping in touch with friends near and far, and cooking.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?  The Lakefill (on warm, sunny days, in particular)

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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Staff Spotlight: Pawel Halemba

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Pawel Halemba

Title: Maintenance Supervisor

Department: Residential Services

Where are you from? I moved to the U.S. from Poland when I was a teenager. Since then I always lived around Chicago.

What brought you to Student Affairs?
It was actually quite random, I saw the job posting online. Having extensive management background I thought it might be a good fit, where I could apply my knowledge and experience from previous career endeavors. It end up being a very positive experience that lets me enjoy every day working at NU.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern?  2

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
My favorite part has to be the variety of challenges that I run into on daily basis. I like to face and solve new problems. It is always satisfying to be able to help students and faculty around campus.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I never had a bad encounter with any of the great Student Affairs staff. Ever since I started working at NU, everyone always seemed more than happy to help and assist anyway possible.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by self-belief. It is quite easy in this constantly changing environment we live in to fall into the trap of doubting yourself.

What can’t you live without?
I couldn’t live without my family, my best friend and future wife Kasia.

How do you like to spend your free time?
I am more or less a homebody but I do enjoy a nicely planned trip, attending concerts, occasional bar and restaurant visits with friends and working on cars.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? The view of the lake and Ryan Fieldhouse from the top floor at 560 Lincoln.

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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Staff Spotlight: Lucas Christain

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Lucas Christain

Title: Assistant Dean of Students and Director, Office of Student Conduct

Department: Dean of Students Office

Where are you from?  Iowa

What brought you to Student Affairs?
Belonging brought me into student affairs. As a first gen student who struggled to find his place and often felt like an impostor, student affairs programs and staff were critical in helping me find a sense of belonging at The University of Iowa.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern?  2.5

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
I love solving problems. The ability to consult with brilliant colleagues and work through challenging situations with students captures my attention easily. Additionally, I like seeing students succeed and overcome obstacles. While this work can be very demanding and at times draining, we’re privileged to work with young people at critical points in their lives and to learn from them as we do so.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?
Find time to make a contact or build a relationship in an office you’re not familiar with or wouldn’t think to view as a key partner of your work. This can allow you to receive broader perspective on the institution you’re working at and on how your work fits into that institution. Additionally, it’s important to find ways that your work overlaps with others, even if the specific missions or goals of your departments are seemingly different. In the end, we all are here to serve students and the broader academic mission.
Oh, and be mindful of how you use and experience social media in your life and work.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
Students have influenced my career the most. I have been fortunate to have excellent supervisors and meaningful professional opportunities, but students and their stories are what have changed my understanding of my work. Tasks, programs, crisis situation, and the many other things we juggle on a daily basis can easily become all about execution or management. I’ve found that I’m most motivated and moved back towards my calling in this work when I hear and experience student stories.

What inspires you?
Passionate and genuine people inspire me. I’m a sappy person who gets emotional about things like displays of integrity and compassion. That’s the kind of stuff that makes my eyes well up. I find complex situations that hold tension between meaningful values and the ways that people navigate them to be inspiring.

What can’t you live without?
Early (I mean really early) morning coffee, reading, and meditation.

How do you like to spend your free time?
Reading, eating, watching sports, shuffling my children to and from things, and consuming too much information about American politics. I also enjoy quiet time with my partner and dog on the couch after our children are asleep.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?  The painted rocks on the shore of Lake Michigan

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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Staff Spotlight: Eugenia Ortiz

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Eugenia Ortiz

Title: Program Assistant

Department: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Where are you from? Cicero, IL

What brought you to Student Affairs?
Ever since I started college, I began working in the Higher Education field and specifically in different roles among Student Affairs. I fell in love not only with the atmosphere but the dedication that leaders had to improve the life of a student. Not only being a student but working “behind the scenes” of a college molded me in to the leader I want to be. Mental Health is something I was always passionate about, so I wanted to mix my two passions in to one and that is how I found this role! Working not only in Student Affairs but specifically focusing on the mental health of the students was a match made in heaven for me!

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
That everyday you get to work with students and in some way, you impact their college experience. It may seem small what you do, but you’re part of a large system working together to ensure you’re making a difference and improving their journey.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?
Don’t be scared to meet people in other departments! Even if you don’t work with them on a daily basis, it’s always great to not only expand your network, but know more about your institution, which can better help serve the students you work with.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
Growing up being a first-generation student, all my peers and I kind of just blindly went through all the college applications, the advising appointments, placement tests. It was extremely overwhelming and scary to say the least! But remember all those leaders who didn’t give up on us, who helped us when we were stuck, and encouraged us to push through the barriers. Those are the people that got us where we are today. I want to be that leader for future students who are where I used to be. My dreams are definitely my greatest influence!

What inspires you?
My mom’s character is what always inspires me. She is without a doubt the most selfless person I know. She always goes out of her way to help her family, friends and neighbors, whether it’s with helping them with groceries, or just giving them a shoulder to cry on. She always listens without judgement and keeps her word. She inspires me to be a better person, and better friend, and taught me to always help those in need. Whenever I’m stuck I always look to her for inspiration.

What can’t you live without?
Music, comedy tv shows and movies, and coffee!

How do you like to spend your free time?
Baking (or at least attempting to), playing with makeup, and exploring new places whether in the city or hidden gems in the suburbs.

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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Staff Spotlight: Chelsea O’Neil Karcher

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Chelsea O’Neil Karcher

Title: Assistant Director of Social Justice Education

Department: Campus Inclusion & Community

Where are you from?  Madison, WI

What brought you to Student Affairs?  I am so grateful for the opportunity to create spaces for connection, creativity, and transformation where students of all identities can thrive. Student Affairs is such a unique and powerful context for supporting students in feeling seen, heard, and valued while equipping them with tools and relationships that will serve them long after they leave campus. I was particularly excited to join the team within Campus Inclusion & Community at Northwestern because of the commitment to justice and identity exploration.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern?  0

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?  Across institutions I’ve found that the most rewarding part of my work in Student Affairs has been the relationships formed with students as they awaken and find their way. I am so moved by watching students evolve and make meaning of their experiences in community. Social Justice Education is a way to invite everyone on campus to imagine new possibilities for themselves and the world, and it’s a beautiful task to be charged with.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?  Take care of yourself. Practice boundaries, schedule self-care into your day, ask for help, speak up for what matters to you, and let the rest fall away. There will always be more students, more to do, challenges, and problems to solve…but there is only one you.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?  The love and support of my family, mentors, and colleagues who have become dear friends. These people remind me every day of my blessings, my gifts, and what’s truly important. They help me feel grounded, encourage me to take up more space, and challenge me to be a better human in the world.

What inspires you?
Gracious, humble truth-tellers practicing vulnerability.
People who push boundaries and invite new possibilities through art, community, and activism.
The tiny humans in my life that model wonder, delight, and play.
Joy and hope multipliers.
Travel and trying new things.

What can’t you live without?  Art supplies, my mindfulness practice, iced mochas, and 90’s R&B.

How do you like to spend your free time?  I love watching Netflix, playing with my pets, being an auntie, listening to music and true crime podcasts, traveling to places I’ve never been, baking, and going on adventures with friends and family.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?  I visited campus in the Fall and loved the Deering Library’s south garden, particularly the statue “Diana of the Chase”. I love learning about mythology and Diana’s symbolism and stories were a part of my graduate research as an Art Therapist. I learned that particular statue was created by a woman, Anna Hyatt Huntington, in 1922. I’m excited to spend more time in the green spaces as the weather warms up and learn more about the art and history on campus.

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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Julie Payne-Kirchmeier named vice president for Student Affairs

Posted by Naomi Wu

Julie Payne-Kirchmeier has been appointed vice president for Student Affairs, President Morton Schapiro announced today following a nationwide search.

Julie Payne-Kirchmeier
Julie Payne-Kirchmeier

Payne-Kirchmeier had served as interim vice president for Student Affairs since June 1, 2019, after longtime Vice President Patricia Telles-Irvin took a medical leave of absence. Telles-Irvin passed away shortly after. Payne-Kirchmeier, a national leader in student affairs administration, has been at Northwestern since 2012.

“Our search committee, chaired by Associate Provost Miriam Sherin, identified a number of very exciting, highly capable candidates,” Schapiro said of the national search. “It became clear that Julie stood out due to her knowledge of the field, her knowledge of Northwestern and her character.

“Julie has done a spectacular job over the last nine months as interim vice president,” Schapiro said. “Her wise counsel, unflappability and effective advocacy for all of our students have been especially evident in the past few weeks, as she has managed the unprecedented disruptions caused by the coronavirus.”

Sherin called Payne-Kirchmeier “an outstanding Student Affairs leader who emerged from a national pool of many talented candidates.”

“The search committee did an excellent job of representing the community throughout the process, and we are grateful for their commitment to identifying the next leader of Student Affairs at Northwestern,” Sherin added.

Payne-Kirchmeier said she is both honored and humbled to serve Northwestern in the role.

“We have one of the most talented and dedicated Student Affairs divisions in the nation, and I am excited to work with our team to provide every opportunity for our students to learn, grow and thrive at this wonderful university,” Payne-Kirchmeier said.

Payne-Kirchmeier joined Northwestern’s Division of Student Affairs in 2012 and was named associate vice president and chief of staff in 2016. She recently was elected a future board chair (beginning in 2021) of NASPA, the international association for student affairs professionals.

Before coming to Northwestern, she worked in student-facing roles at Southern Illinois University and the University of Southern Indiana.

From 2017-2019, Payne-Kirchmeier served as the NASPA Region IV-W director and on the NASPA Board of Directors.

Payne-Kirchmeier received a bachelor’s degree in genetics and a master’s degree in student affairs administration from Texas A&M University. She later earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and administration from Indiana State University.

Article written by Jon Yates and reposted from Northwestern Now

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Staff Spotlight: Heather Cohen

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Heather Cohen

Title: Assistant Director of Student Conduct

Department: Student Conduct

Where are you from? Columbus, Ohio

What brought you to Student Affairs?  College has always been the place where I saw myself from the time I saw a gorgeous Seventeen magazine spread on University of Virginia. In high school I used to help other students explore which small liberal arts school they might want to apply for.

Once at Ohio University, following a one year stint in the Americorps program City Year, I fell in love. I got involved in a number of organizations, but was most active in Student Senate and my sorority, AOII. I was most passionate about improving students live on campus, whether through connecting them to resources, getting the President to commit programming dollars, or working to get a new student center built.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern?  1

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?  Student Conduct is a space where we get to meet students, who are often in a vulnerable space, and assist them in reflecting on what they want at Northwestern and what supports they might need to facilitate making the choices that help them in accomplishing that. It’s a space where a lot of development can happen, and where students really need to grapple with their own agency around the choices they make. That can be hard, but also really rewarding work.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?  It doesn’t have to be a straight path. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work in a number of different spaces – from FSL, Orientation, ResLife, the academic side, and Conduct – and I learned a lot about myself and Student Affairs through all of that. By taking a bit of a generalist approach, it’s allowed me to have more tools in my kit as I get more responsibility and need to do more outreach.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?  I’ve been lucky to have a number of great folks guide me in my Student Affairs work. As a grad student I worked in both FSL and First Year Programs, and I’ve continued to learn from those two Directors long after we all left that space.

What inspires you?  Our students are a huge inspiration. Whether they’re building their own businesses, working on interesting things in a lab, or having aha leadership moments, I love to see them grow and develop as people while they’re here with us at Northwestern.

What can’t you live without?  Food, music, our two girls and three nieces. We enjoy trying new recipes or restaurants, heading out to the Vic or the Aragon, or the Riv, and watching our girls do things like theater and lacrosse. Seeing them find their sense of humor and passions makes me light up too.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?  The Source has an AMAZING and calming view of the lake.

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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The Week Ahead (March 9-15)

Posted by Yune Park

Mini Courses Spring Early Registration 

Monday, March 9 – 29 

Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive 

Early registration for Norris Mini Courses is open! Save $8 by registering early. The Norris Mini Course program offers a variety of non-credit, recreational classes. Learn more about Spring 2020 Mini Courses by visiting the Norris University Center Mini Course page. 

 

Harvest Indigenous Discussions 

Tuesday, March 10 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM   

Parkes Hall, Room 120, 1870 Sheridan Road 

Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) invites members of the Northwestern community to join their monthly dinner and discussion series. This month’s event will focus on topics important to Indian Country and the Northwestern Native and Indigenous Community.  

 

Northwestern University Women’s Center Annual Symposium 

Wednesday, March 11 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive  

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Centers (WGS) have served as critical sites of feminist praxis for the past 50 years. WGS continues to play an integral role in advancing gender equity and inclusion in higher education. The Symposium By Degrees: Gender, Education and Progress will engage directors of WGS centers and feminist scholars to consider the persistence of institutionalized sexism and other forms of inequality in higher education. Register today!  

 

FGLI Consortium Colloquium 

Thursday, March 12 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM 

Segal Visitors Center, 1841 Sheridan Road  

Join the 4th Annual FGLI Consortium Colloquium, which provides ongoing professional development around the needs of first-generation, lower-income (FGLI) students. The intimate group setting of the Colloquium engages participants around an emerging trend related to FGLI student development and support. Professor Mesmin Destin will be joining as the Featured Speaker. RSVP today as spots are limited!  

  

You Good/ Estás Bien? A Community Conversation Centered in Wellness 

Thursday, March 12 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM 

1856 Orrington Residence Hall, Temporary Black House, 1856 Orrington Avenue  

Join MSA for a Black + Latinx Community Gathering! Dr. Asif Wilson will lead the conversation centered in wellness. Dinner will be provided.   

 

Other Events: 

Monday, March 9 

Tuesday, March 10 

Wednesday, March 11 

Thursday, March 12 

Friday, March 13 

Saturday, March 14 

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Staff Spotlight: Danny Roselli

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Danny Roselli

Title: Residence Director-North 2

Department: Residential Services

Where are you from?  I am originally from West Palm Beach, FL

What brought you to Student Affairs?  When I was a junior in undergrad my idea of becoming a doctor washed away as i passed out at the sight of blood. Luckily i was an RA at the time and my RD told me that she thought I would be great for student affairs! The next day I started looking at Graduate schools for higher ed and I have never looked back.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern?  1

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?  I enjoy being able to help people, which can mean a whole spectrum of things. I also think that college truly is the most important years for student’s development, and I love being able to make that time more enjoyable and comfortable for them.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?  I would say to prepare for how reactive the job can be. As much as we do a lot of work on the front end to be on top of everything, inevitably there will be times when something more important comes up and you have to stop what you’re doing to assist.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?  I have had several mentors in this career starting with my RD from when I was an RA, Aja Rodriguez. She truly was the first person to introduce me to the career and push me into applying my strengths towards it. To this day if I am ever confused about something or just wanting to get some feedback she is always ready to talk.

What inspires you?  My parents. Growing up my three older brothers and I did not have much, but my parents scrapped and fought for everything they could for us. I recognized early that my parents were doing the most they could do for their family, and that has inspired me to always give my all to my work and my family.

What can’t you live without?  Good food! I enjoy having a long day or week and being able to let it all melt away with some delicious Italian food or anything else that tastes wonderfully. My family is very much based around family meals and food has become something of a lifestyle for us.

How do you like to spend your free time?  I mostly try to relax with some video games when possible or reading novels. Currently I am trying to read through the entire Star Wars story line by the end of the year, and that has really opened my eyes to how enjoyable reading can be. I like being able to let the real world slip away and imagine in my head what is happening in my books. I also really enjoy being outside for runs, when it is warmer, and trying to stay active as much as possible.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?  So far my favorite spot has been the walkway next to the lake near the soccer field. At night it is so relaxing to hear the waves against the rocks.

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

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The Week Ahead (March 2-8)

Posted by Yune Park

Ceremony: A place for gender, sexuality and indigeneity 

Wednesday, March 4 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM 

Scott Hall, 601 University Place 

Multicultural Student Affairs invites members of Northwestern to a lunch time discussion on all things gender, sexuality, and Indian country. Dr. James Makokis (Cree) and Anthony Johnson (Dine), the first gay, two-spirit couple to win Canada’s Amazing Race, will be joining the discussion.  

 

Spirituality Reading Series: Halal If You Hear Me 

Wednesday, March 4 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM 

Parkes Hall, 1870 Sheridan Road  

Spirituality Reading Series is part of the 40 Days: An Invitation to Reflection & Renewal program. Participants will gather over samosas and chai to discuss Halal If You Hear Me, edited by Fatimah Asghar and Safia Elhillo. Halal If You Hear Me is a poignant and challenging collection of short essays and poems exploring what it means to be Muslim while compelling the reader to understand their own sense of belonging and multiple intersections of identity.  

 

Decolonizing Healthcare 

Wednesday, March 4 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM 

Rebecca Crown Center, Hardin Hall, 633 Clark Street  

Join Multicultural Student Affairs and Dr. James Makokis, a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, for a dinner time presentation on Decolonizing Healthcare. The presentation will focus on providing affirming healthcare for Two-Spirit and Transgender individuals, from an Indigenous perspective.  

 

Solidari-Tea 

Friday, March 6 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM 

Parkes Hall, Room 120, 1870 Sheridan Road  

Solidari-Tea is a space for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) students to come together and build community through reflection, story-telling, and discussions about the APIDA identity and experience. No prior knowledge is required to participate. All APIDA students are welcome to learn about, from, and with each other! Tea, coffee, and snacks will be provided. 

 

Other Events: 

Monday, March 2 

Tuesday, March 3 

Wednesday, March 4 

Thursday, March 5 

Friday, March 6 

Sunday, March 8 

 

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