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Staff Spotlight: Val Buchanan

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Val Buchanan

Title: Assistant Director

Department: Leadership Development and Community Engagement

Where are you from? I still consider Lynn, MA my “home” (outside of Chi Town of course!) but have spent significant and shaping time in Michigan, Texas, Missouri, and California.

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

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? My favorite thing about working in Student Affairs is building relationships with students and helping to design transformational experiences for them that are also mutually beneficial to our community partners.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? For over a decade I worked under the direction of Barry Loy, Vice-President of Student Life at a small school just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. Barry’s sense of humor, humility, authenticity, and intentional relationship investment in my life shaped the leader I am today and the person I strive to be in the world!

What inspires you? I am inspired by those who give of themselves to pursue justice and equity in the world.

What can’t you live without? I am grounded by being in community and being rooted in place!

How do you like to spend your free time? I love spending time at the lake, reading, watching sports, and being with friends! Also road trips are great!

What’s your favorite spot on campus? In my office hanging out with students!

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 (October 21-27)

Posted by Naomi Wu

PurplePalooza 

Monday, October 21 from 4:00–7:00 PM 

Foster-Walker Complex 

Enjoy an evening of fun games and food! Come to Foster-Walker Complex to enjoy games and giveaways on the front lawn and a special tailgating menu for dinner. Dinner is available even if you don’t have a meal plan.  

 

Fall Art and Pottery Sale 

Wednesday, October 23 from 12:00-4:00 PM 

Norris University Center, ARTica Studios 

Looking for something to spruce up your apartment or add to your dishware collection? ARTica is holding a special sale of unclaimed art. Prices begin at $1 and go to $25. Come browse some artwork and take some home. Each purchase comes with free warm apple cider and a cookie.  

 

Northwestern Night at the Art Institute 

Thursday, October 24 from 5:00–8:00 PM 

Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 

Are you a member of the Northwestern community? Enjoy free admission to the Art Institute of Chicago for a night, including a reception, guided tours, and much more. No RSVP is required. Free transportation will be provided for students prior to the event. Email Joseph Lattal for more details! 

 

Justice Walks: Gale Community Academy 

Friday, October 25 from 3:00–5:30 PM 

1631 W Jonquil Ter, Chicago, IL 

As part of Northwestern’s ongoing Neighbor2Neighbor program engaging with Chicago communities, Northwestern students will travel to program partner Gale Community Academy to spend the day volunteering, cleaning out classrooms, and preparing the space for students.  

 

Hymnfest XVII: “Jerusalem” 

Sunday, October 27 from 7:00–9:00 PM 

Alice Millar Chapel 

Join the Alice Millar Chapel Choir for their first performance of the 2019-2020 season! Hymnfest XVII is an uplifting program of congregational hymns and choral anthems with majestic support by a brass ensemble, percussion, handbells, chorus, and the mightly 100-rank Aeolian Skinner organ! This event is free and open to the public.
 

Other Events: 

Monday, October 21 

Tuesday, October 22 

Wednesday, October 23 

Thursday, October 24 

Friday, October 25 

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Staff Spotlight: Viviana Matthews

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Viviana Matthews

Title: Senior Developer

Department: Student Affairs IT

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Valdivia, Chile. I moved to Chicago 14 years ago.

What brought you to Student Affairs?
Prior to coming to Northwestern, I was working for another university in the central IT department. Northwestern’s reputation and focus on student and employee care were appealing to me. I didn’t have experience in Student Affairs and didn’t really know what to expect. After 3 years, I really feel that this is the best place for me. My role at Student Affairs IT allows me to apply my engineering skills yet, still talk to people on a daily basis and see how my work improves their experiences.

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

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
I really like that we are always having meaningful conversations. Student Affairs is beyond academics and I have learned a lot about diversity, inclusion and about what kind of problems are affecting the younger generations.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?
I would recommend to volunteer whenever possible for the main university events. I specially enjoy Wildcat Welcome and Commencement, because I get to interact with parents. I love to see how proud they are of their kids.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
My mother. She didn’t instill negative stereotypes in me, so I always felt that I could be whatever I wanted to be.

What inspires you?
Leaving things better than when I found them. Leaving people happier than when I met them.

What can’t you live without?
Besides my family, friends, dogs, music and apples … my bike.

How do you like to spend your free time?
I like spending time with family and friends. When the weather allows it, I enjoy biking and/or walking. I also really love music and good food.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? The Lakefill, of course!

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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Latinx Heritage Month

Posted by Naomi Wu

As October marches on its way, the Northwestern community is in the midst of celebrating Latinx Heritage Month. Latinx Heritage Month, typically celebrated in the month of September but celebrated later at Northwestern due to the late start of classes, is a chance for the Northwestern community to come together in social events, cultural shows, and educational speakers to celebrate its Latinx community. Latinx Heritage Month celebrations at Northwestern began with the kickoff event on October 4 and will continue through the month of November. 

 

If you’re looking for some time to relax and bond with other Latinx students, check out SANA SANA, a space for Latinx students to engage in self-care and build community. The time includes simple relaxation activities such as coloring and listening to music and sharing food with other community members. SANA SANA began on October 9 and will continue to meet weekly on Wednesdays from 4:00–5:30 PM at the Women’s Center on the 2nd floor. 

 

Interested in engaging with authors and discussing stories that deal with culture and family? Sign up for spot to see Erika L. Sanchez, author of “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” on October 21, from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. A small group of Northwestern students will travel to the Edgewater neighborhood to hear Sanchez discuss her book. Tickets are limited, so email Emmanuel López at emmanuel.lopez@northwestern.edu to ensure your spot. You must be available from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM on that day. CTA tickets will be provided. 

 

Northwestern itself has plenty to boast of in its Latinx faculty. Come meet and mingle with the university’s Latinx faculty while enjoying an afternoon snack of Café con Leche on October 25, from 1:00–2:30 PM at the Multicultural Center. Enjoy the opportunity to learn what your professors are doing and get to know them better. 

 

Celebrate Día de los Muertos on November 1 from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Multicultural Center. Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) and Alianza, the Northwestern Latinx Student Alliance, will be building and displaying an altar and encourage students and staff to place items on the altar honoring and remembering departed friends or family members. The altar will remain on display for the first week of November. There will be light snacks and music available. 

 

Finally, Latinx Heritage Month events will conclude on November 22 with Festival LatiNU, the signature event for Northwestern’s celebrations. This free event takes place at the Norris Louis Room and features musical and dance performances from Northwestern student groups and Chicago area groups. 

 

For more information, check out a full list of events here. 

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The Week Ahead (October 14-20) 

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

NCA Law School Info Sessions 

Monday, October 14 at 12:00 PM, and Wednesday, October 16 at 12:30 PM 

Norris Wildcat Room 101B, Norris Art Room 206 

Planning to go to law school after graduation? Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) is hosting two information sessions this week. The first is for NYU School of Law, where the Law’s Director of Admissions will answer students’ questions and provide information about the school and the law school application process in general. The second is for Harvard’s Law School, and the Dean of Admissions will provide information for students about the school and the application process. For more information and to register for both, please visit Handshake. 

 

Latinx Community Gathering 

Wednesday, October 16 from 5:30–7:00 PM 

1936 Sheridan Road, Conference Room 

Struggling to find the Latinx community on campus? Every month, the Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) office hosts an event for Latinx students, professors, and organizations to build community by discussing local and global events, learning about student organizations on campus and sharing and addressing important problems. The event is open to undergraduate and graduate students. 

 

ASLA General Chemistry Tutoring 

Wednesdays from 7:00–9:00 PM 

SES Space located in Foster–Walker (PLEX) House 6, Conference Room 

Student Enrichment Services (SES) is partnering with Academic Support and Learning Advancement (ASLA) to bring drop-in tutoring for General Chemistry to students who need help but can’t make office hours or may be a little nervous to attend them. The first session was last Wednesday, and they will continue for the rest of the quarter. Tutors are students with experience in Northwestern’s chemistry department. 

 

reevaluating “a” Opening 

Friday, October 18 from 10:00 AM–10:00 PM   

Norris University Center, Dittmar Memorial Gallery 

lewis lain’s solo show utilizes reclaimed windows, found glass, recycled cardboard and acrylic paint to explore the ever-evolving story of a typeface designer searching for enlightenment through his artwork. Through his work, lain aims to continue the journey of enlightenment, and open the minds of his viewers towards “the possibility of everything.” The show officially opens at 10:00 AM on Friday, but there will be an opening reception from 6:00–8:00 PM that night. 

 

Other Events: 

Monday, October 14 

Tuesday, October 14 

Wednesday, October 15 

Thursday, October 17 

Friday, October 18 

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Staff Spotlight: Jose Santos

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Jose Santos

Title: Associate Director

Department: Northwestern Career Advancement

Where are you from? I was born in the Philippines and my family immigrated to the U.S. (New Jersey) when I was in 7th grade.

What brought you to Student Affairs? Growing up I always strived to improve people and the community. In Student Affairs, I get that opportunity everyday by engaging with students in their professional development process and hopefully, see what they learned from me in order to become positive contributors to the community they are involved in.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 13

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? I get the opportunity to work with many individuals: students, staff, employers, and faculty. As I am getting more seasoned in my career, I’ve become more passionate about helping people grow and I get that opportunity by being a part of the Professional Development Committee within the Division of Student Affairs.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs? Be proactive about engaging with people. If you see yourself in a particular area of Student Affairs, take the time to find a mentor and soak up the information that is provided to you. Take the time to assess who you are and do not forget your steps in getting where you are. Know your own narrative so that one day you can inspire others with it.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? I think the circumstance that I grew up with has influenced my career. I came from an under-resourced community and I learned to be resourceful and really fight in order to improve my family’s well-being. Now that I have my own family, they serve as my greatest influence because I want to make sure I can provide them with a better life.

What inspires you? My family.

What can’t you live without? My family.

How do you like to spend your free time? Checking out global cuisines, watching football, and hanging out with my loved ones.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? Go through the lighthouse lawn (Central & Sheridan) on the edge of campus. There is a bench at the back (in between the lighthouse and beach access) and it oversees 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 (October 7-13)

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

On the Same Terms: 150 Years of Women at Northwestern 

Monday, October 7 – Sunday, October 13 all-day 

University Library, Deering Library 

Celebrate Northwestern University’s 150th year of women’s education with this exhibit! Examine the history of women’s education at Northwestern through documents, images, and artifacts from the University archives.

 

Library Olympics at Main: Win a Shirt! 

Monday, October 7 from 10 AM – 5 PM 

University Library 

You might not be able to play in Tokyo 2020, but you can play in the Library Olympics! Come to University Library anytime during open hours to play a fun ten-minute game, and leave with a free t-shirt!  

 

Women’s Center Open House 

Tuesday, October 8 from 12 PM – 1:30 PM 

Women’s Center 

2000 Sheridan Rd, Evanston IL 60208 

You’re invited to the Women’s Center open house this Tuesday! Explore what resources and programs Northwestern has to offer in the 2019-20 school year, and get connected to a community of women striving to better the world together. 

 

Justice Walks: A Just Harvest 

Friday, October 11 from 3 PM – 5:30 PM 

Classic Building at Gale Community Academy 

1631 W Jonquil Ter, Chicago, IL 60626 

Volunteer to work in a garden at Rogers Park with A Just Harvest, a non-profit organization seeking to provide food justice to the local community. This is part of the Neighbor2Neighbor Justice Walks series. Fill out this google form to RSVP. 

 

Other Events: 

Monday, October 7 

Tuesday, October 8 

Wednesday, October 9 

Thursday, October 10 

Friday, October 11 

Saturday, October 12 

Sunday, October 13 

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Staff Spotlight: Jim Stachowiak

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

Name: Jim Stachowiak

Title: Director of Assistive Technology & Assistant Director

Department: AccessibleNU

Where are you from? Troy, Michigan (Detroit Area)

What brought you to Student Affairs? I was interested in the opportunity to utilize assistive technology to impact the academic experience of students with disabilities in a positive way.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 3.5

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? I enjoy the collaborative nature of the people that work in Student Affairs. It’s awesome to work in such a supportive environment.

Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? When I was first starting in the field of assistive technology, I interned in the Rehabilitation Engineering Department at the University of Michigan Hospital. There, I worked with several people who had often just sustained life changing injuries and got to see first hand how assistive technology played a crucial role in helping them be able to do things that they did not think they’d be able to do again. That experience and the people that I worked with over those two years have had the biggest influence on my career.

What inspires you? I’m inspired by the perseverance and drive of people who have been dealt a difficult hand in life, but work to overcome those difficulties to achieve their hopes and dreams.

What can’t you live without? Some things I can’t love without include summers in Northern Michigan, starting my day with a morning run, Detroit Tiger baseball (although they are making it a little easier to live without right now), University of Michigan football and basketball, and reruns of The Office.

How do you like to spend your free time? I enjoy spending my free time with my family. I have four young kids, so life does not offer much free time, but I do enjoy playing outside with them and coaching their baseball teams. We also have very close extended family and travel to Michigan to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins whenever we can.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? The walking path on the lake fill where you can see Lake Michigan as well as downtown Chicago

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 (September 30- October 6)

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

NCA 2019 Fall Internship & Job Fair 

Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3 from 12- 4 PM 

Norris Center, 2nd Floor 

Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) is kicking off fall quarter with their annual fall internship and job fair. Different employers from a variety of industries will attend each day, offering opportunities for both internships and full-time employment. To participate, dress in business casual attire and bring your Wildcard and copies of your resume. All undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni are all welcome to attend. 

 

Justice Talks: Neighbor2Neighbor Kick-Off 

Thursday, October 3 from 6- 7 PM 

Parkes Hall, Room 120
Neighbor2Neighbor invites Northwestern students to build relationships with their neighbors through connections with local community-based organizations. This Thursday, Neighbor2Neighbor kicks-off the year with a presentation from guest speaker Maxine Bailey, a staff member at Howard Area Community Center. All are welcome to join the conversation. 

 

Latinx Heritage Month Kick-Off 

Friday, October 4 from 12- 2 PM 

Scott Hall, Guild Lounge 

October is Latinx Heritage Month, and to celebrate, Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) will host a kick-off event featuring free food and Lotería. The event will be an opportunity for new and returning Latinx students to connect and get to know each other. 

 

Space Race Puzzle Hunt 

Saturday, October 5 from 11- 3 PM 

Norris Center, Lake Room 

Enjoy a day full of puzzles and games based on the themes of Hidden Figures, this year’s One Book selection. Participants will work in teams to find hidden locations around campus, learning more about Northwestern in the process. Fill out the google form by October 4 to register for this fun event! 

 

Other Events: 

Monday, September 30 

Tuesday, October 1 

Wednesday, October 2 

Thursday, October 3 

Friday, October 4 

Saturday, October 5 

Sunday, October 6 

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Social Justice Education Fall 2019 Programs

Posted by Sarah Springhorn

This fall,  Social Justice Education (SJE) is proud to offer a number of different programs for students of all experience levels. Whether you’re new to social justice or want to learn how to be a leader and facilitator, SJE has a program that fits your needs.

(1) Peer Inclusion Educators (PIE) — bit.ly/join-PIE | Deadline: October 4 by 5 PM
PIE is a program started by students, for students, dedicated to developing student facilitators who are able to build social justice workshops and activities and lead dialogues around topics of identity, power, and oppression. Students in PIE must attend the Saturday, October 5 retreat in Norris from 8:30 AM- 3:00 PM. Students in PIE are given 1:1 coaching and support around facilitation and they attend PIE meetings during the quarter. This is not meant for people who are completely new to social justice, but it is a space for mixed levels of social justice knowledge.

(2) Sustained Dialogue (SD) — bit.ly/SignupSD
SD is a dialogue to action program in which students come together in student-lead groups to talk about their experiences at Northwestern, specifically in terms of the identities they hold, with the goal of creating an action that makes Northwestern a more inclusive community. Groups meet weekly for 90 minutes throughout the entire quarter. This is great for people looking to explore different topics of identity and how they play out at Northwestern, regardless of their familiarity with social justice.

(3) The Justice and Allyship Retreat (JAR) — https://forms.dosa.northwestern.edu/view.php?id=1264871
Held in January, JAR is a 2.5 day long retreat off-campus that explores topics of allyship with around 40 students. In this space, students reflect on identities in which they hold power, discuss their role in justice, and consider actions towards a more just and equitable society and Northwestern. This year, the retreat will be held January 17-19 at Lake Lawn Resort in Wisconsin. This is great for people who have thought about social justice before but want to dive more deeply into areas where they hold power and agency.

(4) Workshops — https://www.northwestern.edu/socialjustice/get-involved/request-workshop/index.html
SJE will continue to take workshop requests for undergraduate students through the form on their website. Based upon priorities and capacity, they will do their best to continue to offer PIE and SJE-facilitated request-based workshops. Browse workshop descriptions on the SJE website.

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