ALUMNI UPDATES
FEATURED ALUMNI Q & A: LEILA DODGE
In 1928, Leila Dodge enrolled in National College, now National Louis University.She is the oldest known living alum.
As National Louis University commemorates its 125th anniversary,
we took some time to get to know Ms. Dodge.
Read our Interview with Leila Dodge.
What did you do before attending NLU? What was your life like?
I grew up on a farm in Broadhead, Wisconsin. When I was in the first grade, my parents moved from the farm into town. When I entered National College in 1928, I was very timid. I came from a very small high school.When did you attend NLU?
1928, I enrolled in National College.What do you remember about school? What was your life like while attending the university?
I lived in a dormitory in Evanston, Illinois, on Ridge Road. I remember all of the good friends I made.What did you do with your degree?
I taught kindergarten for two years up in Highland Park, and then I got pregnant and became a full-time mother.What did you study?
I studied education.What did it mean to you to have an education from National Louis University.
I was very proud to get a degree. Not many of the girls back home were going off to collegeDid you keep in touch with students or teachers or anyone from NLU?
A lot of the girls who graduated got teaching jobs and stayed in Evanston, Illinois. I did remain in contact with many of them.Where was the school located when you went to NLU?
It was located on Ridge Road in Evanston.How did you choose NLU as your college? It wasn't very common for women to become college educated when you were going to school. Did you have a family member or friend who encouraged you to go to school?
A friend in the town nearby went to school at National College, and my parents became interested. Most of my friends went to University of Wisconsin, Madison.What did you have to do to be admitted (take a test, high school scores considered, etc.)?
We took a test. Then we were put in one of three levels. I noticed one other level was getting more work than mine. By mid-semester, I was moved up to that level.What are your fond memories from NLU?
I met my husband!Does it make you proud to be an NLU alumni? Why?
I am proud to be a graduate of National Louis University. I had great teachers, and I met a lot of good friendsAnything else you'd like to share?
I am very grateful to my parents for making sure I got a great education.ALUMNI Q & A
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Name: Theodorea Regina Barry
Degrees: 2002, 1998, 1995 EdD, EdS, Med-
What did you do before attending National Louis University?
Training and Evaluation, Department of Defense, Frankfurt GE
Why did you decide to attend National Louis University?
The program uniquely suited my interest in an interdisciplinary approach to curriculum.
What was your life like while attending National Louis University?
As a Master of Education student, I thoroughly appreciated the relationship I was able to build with faculty members, most especially our primary professor, Dr. Fletcher DuBois. As a doctoral student, my best memory is the time and effort faculty members invested to meet with me to discuss my research interest and to help build my scholarship. I now emulate their practices.
How did National Louis University reshape your life?
The ways in which faculty engaged with me deeply influence the time and effort I invest in my doctoral students. NLU truly reshaped my perception of what it means to be a teaching scholar.
What did you do with your degree?
Currently, I am an assistant professor in the PhD in Curriculum and Instruction program at Mercer University in Macon GA.
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Name: Jodi Wojcik
Degrees: Undergrad 2004 (Behavioral Science), Graduate 2007 (Special Education M.A.T.)-
What did you do before attending National Louis University:
I worked as a teaching assistant.
Why did you decide to attend National Louis University?
I wanted to further my career.
What was your best memory?
Creating friendships
How did National Louis University reshape your life?
It gave me a deeper foundation to build on, taught me to overcome obstacles, and taught me what it meant to live a richer life through education, life experience and meaningful relationships.
What do you do with your degree?
I am a special education teacher at the elementary level.
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Name: Tina Fields-Gigins
Degrees: 2005 BA psychology, 2009 MA psychology-
What did you do before attending National Louis University:
I was attending Olive Harvey College.
Why did you decide to attend National Louis University?
I selected NLU because of the smaller classes, the flexibility of the courses, and the great professors who support all of the students.
What was your life like while attending National Louis University?
It was a pretty good life. I was able to work and attend school. I met new friends, and developed connections with the faculty. My best memory was when I was about to graduate with my B.A. I was struggling pretty badly in math, and I thought that I was not going to make it. But the CAD helped me. The professor that I had at the time worked with me, and guided me throughout the whole class. On graduation day, I thought about all the hard work the people at NLU put into me, even when I did not believe in myself, because of my dyslexia. They took the time to believe in me, and I decided to continue all of my education at NLU, because NLU cares.
How did National Louis University reshape your life?
NLU has made me a stronger person. I know that I can accomplish anything in my life. NLU gave me back my confidence. I have a greater appreciation for adult educators, and I have decided I want to teach psychology, and give students the same care and great education I received at NLU.
What do you do with your degree?
I am currently looking for work in my field, due to the economy, but I am working on my second masters degree.
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Name: Keva Parker
Degrees: 2009 ABS-
What did you do before attending National Louis University:
I was a bus driver at Hertz Car Rental.
Why did you decide to attend National Louis University?
My mother passed away in 2007. Before she passed away, she told me to finish what I started, because tomorrow's not promised.
What is your best memory of National Louis University?
My best memory was the support system I had from my cohort and teachers.
How did National Louis University reshape your life?
It gave me a sense of confidence that I could achieve anything.
What do you do with your degree?
I am a teacher's assistant now, but I plan to start a 501 (c) 3 for veterans.
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Name: Janice Griffin
Degrees: 2002 HS Counseling-
What did you do before attending National Louis University:
I was working full-time, and I had just completed an undergraduate degree.
Why did you decide to attend National Louis University?
It had a cohort and the degree program that I was interested in, and the downtown campus was close to home.
What is your best memory of National Louis University?
I enjoyed the instructors and my classmates. I loved the feeling that we were all in this together.
How did National Louis University reshape your life?
I always had the feeling that my instructors were interested in my progress. That made a difference, and my career path was important.
What do you do with your degree?
I worked at a private agency for two years doing therapy with families. I went into child welfare, and I am now working in juvenile justice.
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Name: Erin Mansfield Cetera
Degrees: 1984 B.A. Elementary Education/Human Development-
What did you do before attending National Louis University:
I went to the College of DuPage, and earned an A.G.S. with an emphasis in Child Care and Development.
Why did you decide to attend National Louis University?
Scholarship! I also had family ties to Evanston.
What is your best memory of National Louis University?
FUN! Best memory--getting engaged at Gilson Park Beach.
How did National Louis University reshape your life?
NLU confirmed that early childhood education (after majoring in elementary education) was what I should be doing.
What do you do with your degree?
I kept my Elementary Education certificate, but worked in early childhood settings for the past 25+ years.
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Name: Kimberly Nelson Stricker
Degrees: 1990 M.A.T., 2000 C.A.S.-
What did you do before attending National Louis University:
I attended the University of Illinois, Champaign.
Why did you decide to attend National Louis University?
To obtain a teaching certificate.
What was your life like while attending National Louis University?
Busy. I enjoyed meeting teachers who were already in the field.
How did National Louis University reshape your life?
I became a much more thoughtful and student-centered teacher.
What do you do with your degree?
I taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grade for 11 years, and am now teaching for NLU in the IDS graduate studies program. I also work for a principal and superintendent search firm.
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Name: Elizabeth Kotis
Degrees: 2005, Interdisciplinary Studies in Curriculum and Instruction; 2010, Curriculum and Instruction: ESL and Bilingual Education-
What did you do before attending National Louis University:
I was an undergraduate student at DePaul University.
Why did you decide to attend National Louis University?
NLU has convenient locations and a great reputation.
What was your life like while attending National Louis University?
I am still attending National-Louis University because of the strong support and motivation provided by the professors. Life is hectic as I am a stay-at-home mother of two, work from home, and am a Fullerton student, but I enjoyed and still enjoy attending class as the professors are very knowledgeable. The best memory I have is hearing my professor say "You should pursue your doctorate". This memory resonates within me, as it was a poignant memory that stays with me as I pursue my doctorate and because I will be the first in my family (from here and Mexico) to obtain a Doctorate.
How did National Louis University reshape your life?
It helped me to reflect and challenge myself, and my students.
What do you do with your degree?
I taught with CPS and I am currently an adjunct at National-Louis. When my son begins school in a year, I hope to return to the workforce as a full-time teacher.
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Dr. Howard Zacks
Ted Purinton
