NLU President Megahed's Installation Ceremony at University Connection

At NLU's University Connection Conference on September 1, 2010, about 465 faculty and staff members and university trustees gathered together at the Art Institute of Chicago to celebrate NLU and its accomplishments and accepted the challenges of the new academic year. President Nivine Megahed's installation ceremony as NLU's 11th president was held in the afternoon that day.

NLU President Dr. Nivine Megahed

In her installation address, President Megahed thanked the NLU community, family and friends for their support. She enthusiastically shared her perspective on the education of working adult students (who now comprise more than 75 percent of the college-bound population), on a better business model for higher education and on the legacy of Elizabeth Harrison, the pioneering women's educator who founded NLU 125 years ago. A cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception with music by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra immediately followed the installation ceremony.

Download a transcript of Dr. Megahed's installation address (pdf format)

During the Connection, the Faculty Senate (with the support of the Office of the Provost) presented the "Faculty Awards of Excellence." Efrat Sara Efron, professor, NCE, received the Excellence in Teaching Award. Kristin Lems, professor, NCE, received the Excellence in Service Award. Costas Spirou, professor, CAS, received the Excellence in Research Award.  

The Annual Staff Recognition Awards were also presented at the University Connection. The two annual recipients this year are Greta Michael and Connie Lohman-Huey. Both staff recipients received certificates of appreciation and a monetary award for this recipient honor.  

During the Connection, a video about NLU was shown, produced by Robin Hunter, senior creative director of the department of marketing and communications. The video was created specifically for the Connection at the request of President Megahed, and included many personal anecdotes about the university from staff and faculty members. It also highlighted founder Elizabeth Harrison's vision for NLU. The video can be found below.