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Staff Spotlight: Brad Zakarin

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Brad Zakarin

Title: Director, Office of Residential Academic Initiatives

Department: Residential Services

Where are you from?  Miami, Florida

What brought you to Student Affairs?  I’ve always been involved in the residential aspects of higher education. I spent 12 years in live-in positions starting with two years as a Resident Counselor in college and concluding with four years as a Resident Dean after grad school. Becoming the first Director of the Office of Residential Academic Initiatives was a compelling opportunity to help shape the residential experience at Northwestern.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern?  7

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?  Having spent most of my career at the nexus of academic affairs and student affairs, I enjoy being a broker of sorts between the two sides of the house so we can collaborate more effectively on improving the student experience.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?  Read. I check the Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Ed daily to stay current with news, perspectives, and scholarship. I also read books and journal articles as much as possible to ground my practice and strategic planning in research from various disciplines.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?  Spending seven years in live-in positions at a university with an undergraduate experience organized largely along residential lines made me a big believer in the value of delivering services to and building community among students where they live.

What inspires you?  I work at an institution where the sky is the limit. The vast majority of people in higher education can only dream of what we sometimes take for granted. On good days, I get to think big. On bad days, all I have to worry about is how we can stop tripping ourselves up.

What can’t you live without?  Coffee

How do you like to spend your free time?  Working

What’s your favorite spot on campus?  The front of Shepard Hall

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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NCA and Residential Services Team Up for ‘Cats Closet Presentation

Posted by Naomi Wu

Article written by Irazu Hernandez, published by Naomi Wu

Planning for summer can warm Northwestern students during the cold winter quarter, and with fall quarter under their belts, undergraduates are more confident about navigating resources. Still, the quest for summer opportunities can be overwhelming. Questions can include: How do I sift through jobs, internships, research assistantships, fellowships, and study programs (whether domestic or international)? What do the different labels mean for the experience and my resume?

While prepping for interviews and networking events, the path to preparedness gets clearer  . . . until students start thinking about what to wear. What does “business casual” even mean? Is there any combination of clothes in my closet that adds up to that? Is there a mathematical formula to follow? Luckily, Professor Tali Figueroa, Faculty-in-Residence for the Northeast Area, partnered with Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) to open up his Goodrich House apartment so residents could learn what terms mean, how to impress recruiters, and how to ace interviews. The event was part of the ongoing partnership between NCA and Residential Services to bring career development workshops directly to students near their campus residences.

Tali literally rolled out a red carpet in the middle of his living room for NCA’s Brett Boettcher and Melissa Goethals’ presentation on professional attire for interviews. As Brett and Melissa covered different categories, a student Career Ambassador modeled different workplace looks styled by NCA’s very own ‘Cats Closet. Tali also chimed in with his own sartorial strategies while everyone enjoyed a delicious Indian dinner and took mental notes. At the end, attendees browsed through samples from ‘Cats Closet and could even take home a piece or two.

Launched in Fall 2018, ‘Cats Closet offers free new and gently used attire appropriate for career fairs, interviews, and the workplace. The goal is to ensure students aren’t deterred from pursuing opportunities because of clothes. To date, over 400 students have used the service. Goethals says “students can look forward to Cats Closet staying accessible, meeting demand, growing and having a bigger presence on campus through events and shows.”

“We aim to meet students where they are by presenting in spaces where they’re comfortable, where it’s convenient and where they already spend their time,” said Kim Corbin, founder and leader of ‘Cats Closet. “Hosting events in Faculty-in-Residence apartments creates a comfortable and casual atmosphere for workshops, as these spaces are actual homes.” It’s all part of the uniquely Northwestern residential experience that sets students up for success.

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The Week Ahead (February 24 – March 1)

Posted by Yune Park

Black House Community Night: AfroBeats Dance Workshop & Party  

Monday, February 24 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM 

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

Celebrate Black History Month with Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) at a dance party! Facilitated by members of AfroThunda, AfroBeats dance workshop is the last Black History Month event of this year. Dinner will be provided. 

 

Northwestern Housing Fair 

Tuesday, February 25 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM 

Norris University Center, Louis Room, 205, 1999 Campus Drive 

Are you looking for off-campus housing options? The Off-Campus Life office and Associated Student Government are hosting property owners and third-party vendors from the Chicago and Evanston area. Join the Winter Housing Fair to learn more about available, off-campus housing options and other services! 

 

Medill Dean Charles Whitaker in Conversation with Dave Eggers  

Thursday, February 27 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM 

Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, Second Floor, 2311 Campus Drive  

The Garage is hosting entrepreneur and author Dave Eggers and Medill Dean Charles Whitaker for a discussion and a Q&A session. Dave Eggers is the author of The Circle, The Monk of Mokha, What is the What, and many more. Eggers is also the founder of McSweeney’s, an independent publishing company, and the co-founder of 826 National, a network of youth writing and tutoring centers. He is also the founder of ScholarMatch, a nonprofit organization that connects low-income students with resources, schools, and donors. The event is open to the entire Northwestern community. RSVP with your Northwestern email address!  

 

InclusionNU Deadline  

Friday, February 28 at noon

Apply for the InclusionNU Fund, a grant distributed by MSA to support registered student organizations in implementing programs and initiatives. Proposals must align with one of InclusionNU’s priority areas: Identity Development, Wellness, or Education and Awareness. Each group can be awarded a maximum of $1,500 in one academic year. For more information, visit the MSA website on the InclusionNU Fund. 

 

Other Events: 

Monday, February 24 

Tuesday, February 25 

Wednesday, February 26 

Thursday, February 27 

Friday, February 28 

Saturday, February 29 

Sunday, March 1  

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Staff Spotlight: Heather Solov-St. Martin

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Heather Solov-St. Martin

Title: Residential Life Program Manager

Department: Residential Services

Where are you from?  Plano, TX

What brought you to Student Affairs?  I fell in love with Student Affairs as an undergraduate student at SMU trying to figure out what I was going to do after graduating. I met with mentors, got heavily involved, and the rest is history! I loved the idea of being able to have a positive impact on the experience of undergraduate students, just as everyone I interacted with did for me. I’ve been at Northwestern now for a little over 5 weeks, and I’m excited to continue this work that I’m so passionate about!

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?  Working with students is always new, challenging, and exciting. I get so much joy from helping students make meaning out of their experiences, knowing that the skills they learn while in college are going to carry them into their futures. I also love getting to work with so many unique people that share the same passion of student learning and experience that I do.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?  While the work we do is definitely important, we can’t continue giving our best to students if we don’t do the same for ourselves. It’s important to model healthy behaviors and work/life balance to students, especially when they’re high achieving like Northwestern students. And don’t forget to laugh! Sometimes the work we do is absolutely hilarious and it’s those times, laughing with your coworkers, that you’ll always remember and will help you through harder times.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?  I’ve been lucky to have had some amazing mentors and supervisors who have challenged me, supported me, and shown me what it means to be a great student affairs professional. Without them, and the amazing education I received from my graduate program and professors, I wouldn’t have found this passion.

What can’t you live without?  Good food, good friends, my family, my cat, and a cozy blanket with a movie.

How do you like to spend your free time?  When time allows, I love traveling the world with my husband. It’s always fun to explore a new place and make new memories. We have multiple countries in our bucket list that we’re eager to cross off! I’m also a total movie-goer, love exploring local restaurants, breweries, and festivals.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?  I love the views of the lake front from Norris, and I’m excited to find some outdoor spots (once it’s a bit warmer that is!)

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 (February 17-23)

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Black House Community Night: For the Culture Game Night 

Monday, February 17 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM 

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

Join Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) for an evening of friendly competition featuring card games and trivia questions centered in Blackness. Dinner will be provided. 

 

Labyrinth Walk 

Tuesday, February 18 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Parkes Hall, Room 122, 1870 Sheridan Road 

Take some time for reflection by walking through this Labyrinth, created by Religious & Spiritual Life as part of their 40 Days of Spirituality series. The labyrinth will be available every Tuesday from now through March 11. A minimum of 20 minutes is encouraged for this self-guided experience. 

 

Black Girl Meetup 

Wednesday, February 19 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM 

Women’s Center, 2000 Sheridan Road 

The first event in a new series focused on creating more opportunities for fellowship and community amongst Black womxn at Northwestern. Every two weeks there will be a lunchtime, brown bag session where undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff gather to discuss topics related to the intersections of racial and gender identities. This program is open to all those who identify as Black womxn and other gender minorities of any age group.  Bring your lunch and join in the community! 

 

Soul Food: An Introduction to Zentangle 

Thursday, February 20 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM 

Parkes Hall, Room 120, 1870 Sheridan Road 

Zentangle is a spiritual approach to drawing that sparks creativity, increases focus, and promotes relaxation. In this one-hour workshop you will learn the basics of this practice and produce a beautiful frameable, gift-able work of art. All our invited to participate regardless of artistic skill level. A vegetarian boxed lunch will be available for all to take after the program. Complete the online registration form today! 

 

ImproveNU Applications Close 

Thursday, February 20 at 11:59 PM 

Online 

Have an idea of a way to make Northwestern a better place? Submit a one paragraph pitch along with a team with 1-4 people, and you may get to present your idea to high level Northwestern administrators! Winning teams will receive cash prizes as well as additional money to implement their ideas. Applications are available online. 

 

 

Other Events: 

Monday, February 17 

Tuesday, February 18 

Wednesday, February 19 

Thursday, February 20 

Friday, February 21 

Saturday, February 22 

Sunday, February 23 

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Staff Spotlight: Allie Hoffman

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Allie Hoffman

Title: Senior Technical Support Specialist

Department: Student Affairs Information Technology

Where are you from? Chicago

What brought you to Student Affairs?
I’ve been with Northwestern for a little over five years, first with the medical school and then with Facilities. After becoming a Student Advisor I became more familiar with what Student Affairs does, and really enjoyed being a part of it. It was kind of serendipitous a role opened in SAIT, but I’m so glad it did.

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
The people! Everyone is so nice and passionate about their work, it creates a culture that’s amazing to be a part of.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?
Talk to people, volunteer, get involved!

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
My mom – I thank her for letting me take apart the toaster, the VCR, the vacuum cleaner, and everything else when I was a kid. I am mostly self-taught in IT and that nurtured curiosity helped me grow into who I am today.

What inspires you?
Stories about folx who have persevered, random acts of kindness, and nature.

What can’t you live without?
My amazing wife, a good cup of coffee, and adventure.

How do you like to spend your free time?
When I’m not working you can usually find me at First Ascent, come climb with me! Either that or I’m binge watching true crime shows with my wife.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? Near the lake, or any of the gardens.

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 (February 10-16)

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Sparkle at NU: “W.A.R., Because it’s Necessary 

Monday, February 10 from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM   

Fisk Hall, 217, 1845 Sheridan Road 

For Black History Month, recording artist and anti-sexual violence activist Sparkle will visit Northwestern to speak about her experiences coming forward about R. Kelly’s history of sexual abuse. Sparkle bravely testified against R. Kelly during his 2008, the only recording artist and public figure then willing to go on record about Kelly’s abuse and predatory behaviors towards women and underage girls. Today, the #MeToo movement and Surviving R. Kelly assist Sparkle in assuring that survivors are heard and supported, especially black women and girls. This event is open to the public. Visit Eventbrite to reserve your free ticket. 

 

BHM x Harvest: Intersections of Black and Native/ Indigenous Communities 

Tuesday, February 11 from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM   

Parkes Hall, Room 120, 1870 Sheridan Road 

Harvest is a series program celebrating and exploring the many facets of the Native and Indigenous community. In celebration of Black History Month, MSA is hosting a “crossover” event, bringing an opportunity for cross cultural dialogue around the shared histories and commonalities existent within Native, Indigenous, and Black communities. Join us for what is sure to be an interactive and engaging conversation. Dinner is provided. 

 

Soup & Substance 

Wednesday, February 12 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM   

Parkes Hall, 120, 1870 Sheridan Road 

Enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread while sharing in brief reflections from a variety of spiritual and sacred sources guided by campus leaders. This week, reflections will be led by Michael Simon, the Executive Director of Northwestern Hillel. No advance registration is necessary. 

 

Screening of Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am 

Wednesday, February 12 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM   

Norris University Center, McCormick Auditorium, 1999 Campus Drive 

Join us for a screening of “The Pieces I Am,” a documentary on author Toni Morrison. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Miriam Petty, an Associate Professor of Radio/Television/Film, and Dr. Justin Mann, an Assistant Professor of English in Weinberg. RSVP online to reserve your seat. 

 

Images of My Experience Opening Reception 

Thursday, February 13 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 

Norris University Center, Dittmar Gallery,1999 Campus Drive 

From February 13 – March 18, Dittmar Gallery will be featuring the work of Eduin Fraga, an artist whose mixed media collages made with materials including acrylic and charcoal represent the complex realities of daily experience in Cuba. Dittmar Gallery is open to the public from 8:00 AM to midnight most days. 

 

Other Events: 

Monday, February 10 

Tuesday, February 11 

Wednesday, February 12 

Thursday, February 13 

Friday, February 14 

Sunday, February 16 

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Staff Spotlight: David Hartmann

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: David Hartmann

Title: Assistant Director of Business & Finance

Department: Division of Student Affairs

Where are you from? Chicago, Illinois

What brought you to Student Affairs?
Conversations with my former Director, Theresa Delin, turned into the suggestion that I might want to apply for a job in Residential Services.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 5.75

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
The people with whom I work, and that the work is never boring.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?
Meet as many colleagues as possible across the University. Every person is doing important work.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
My Dad had the greatest influence on my career. His advice, while I may not have listened at the time, was spot-on.

What inspires you?
The Evanston campus inspires me in every season. We have a great variety of architecture set against the backdrop of Lake Michigan.

How do you like to spend your free time?
Reading, writing, and playing music with friends.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? My favorite spot on campus is anywhere along 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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Black History Month

Posted by Yune Park

Northwestern University celebrates Black History Month (BHM), an annual observance of the achievements and legacies of African Americans, through various events that bring the campus community together. Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) has been planning the events for months to “celebrate the Black diaspora,” says Alyscia Raines, the Assistant Director. Raines emphasizes that the theme this year, “All Black Everything,” acknowledges the depths to blackness – all of its shapes and nuances. 

One of the objectives of celebrating BHM at Northwestern is for students who identify as black to feel proud and empowered through history and awareness. Black History Month celebrations will create opportunities for students to join the community and find new interests through different events.  

The month will start off with Harambee, an event that has been continued for more than ten years at Northwestern, on January 31. Swahili for “pull together,” “Harambee” is used as a rallying cry in Kenya for coming together and gathering resources. Harambee kicks off Black History Month with various performances and food for all to enjoy.  

Celebrating BHM at Northwestern also involves the “consideration of whole self,” says Raines. Some of the events focus on raising the awareness of one’s overall health, including but not limited to physical, psychological, and spiritual health. Lovin’ You: A Poetry Workshop about Self-Love featuring Harold Green III invites participants to examine how they express self-love and how they share such love with the world. The workshop will focus on themes of self-expression and self-definition. 

For a full calendar of Black History Month events at Northwestern, visit the Multicultural Student Affairs page. 

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Categories: Inclusion

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Staff Spotlight: Christina A Smith

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Christina A Smith

Title: Administrative Assistant

Department: Student Enrichment Services

Where are you from? South Side of Chicago

What brought you to Student Affairs?
I was a NASPA Undergraduate Fellow (NUFP) during undergrad. I joined this program because all the people who had a significant impact on my identity development worked in Student Affairs and that made me want to join this field and do similar work.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 3

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
The staff! I have met so many cool people who are doing great things at Northwestern but also have some interesting passions.

What inspires you?
Malcolm X, Queen Latifah, my mom, and all the First Generation College Students in the United States who are treading paths no one in their families have gone before.

What can’t you live without?
Supernatural (the TV show), donuts, my daily Bible readings, my three brothers, my mom, chapstick, and the ability to wash my hands whenever I need too.

How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy watching the 30+ tv shows I follow, discovering new tv shows, talking about tv shows, watching movies and reading books.

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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