Reflector: January 2025
The Reflector
notes from Engaged Learning’s Center for Social Impact
Feature Event(s!)
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Events 2025
2025’s Theme: "Where Do We Go From Here?"
Inspired by the title of Dr. King’s final book, this week’s events focus on social justice, racial healing, and civic engagement. Join us as we honour Dr. King’s legacy through meaningful discussions, workshops, and activities.
Tuesday, January 21
MLK Day Faculty Teach-In
⏰ 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
📍 WSC: Stevenson Hall
Join us for four engaging teach-in sessions led by NCC faculty, diving into topics inspired by Dr. King’s work and vision.
Wednesday, January 22
Be Seen–Be Heard: Community Conversation
⏰ 3:30 PM–5:00 PM
📍 RES/REC: 3rd Floor Classroom
A student-led, student-centered discussion on socially important topics. Share your voice and engage in dialogue that matters.
Thursday, January 23
Civic Engagement 101 Workshop
⏰ 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
📍 WAC: Room 12
Discover how you can become an active citizen and make a difference in your community. Learn about opportunities to engage in civic involvement that continues Dr. King’s legacy.
Let’s reflect, learn, and take action together! Details can be found at our Instagram page
https://www.instagram.com/nc_engaged/
Interested in exploring issues related to community rights and democratic participation? Become a CSI Community First Fellow. Applications due 31 January. Visit this Qualtrics survey to apply. Contact Prof Chod (SMChod@noctrl.edu) for more information.
Community Conversations and Events
Red Feather Cinema screening of “Do The Right Thing”, WAC 200. 5 February, 5:30 pm. First Wednesdays this semester will be the Red Feather Cinema Showcase. Screenings are accompanied by a pre-show introduction and/or a rare 16mm film reel viewing. Contact Prof Saul Kutnicki, SDKutnicki@noctrl.edu
Meditation series led by a guest from Congregation Beth Shalom, hosted by Religious Studies. 7 February, 1:00-2:00 pm, Heininger Auditorium, LAC. For more information, contact Professor Birdsong at slbirdsong@noctrl.edu.
Do you have a community-focused event open to the campus? Submit details to EngagedLearning@NoCtrl.edu.
Volunteering Snapshot February 2025-March 2025
A quick look at some great opportunities coming up. Got an opportunity to promote? Email SocialImpact@NoCtrl.edu.
Be Mine Bingo By INSIDE OUT CLUB.
📅 Date: Friday, February 9, 2025
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
📍 Location: TBD, Naperville
💡 Details: Share some Valentine’s cheer with local seniors through this fun and interactive event.
2. Prairie Maintenance Morning By Giving Du Page
📅 Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Location: Corner of Berkley Avenue and Prairie Path Lane, near Spring Road
💡 Details: Help maintain the prairie by removing invasive plants. Tools and guidance will be provided. Dress for the weather and bring water.
📞 Contact: Dave Terrill | (630) 207-1497 | daveterrill@terrillconsulting.com
3. Winter Birds - Free Nature Discovery Days By Naperville Park District
📅 Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM–2:30 PM
📍 Location: Naperville Park District
💡 Details: A free family-friendly activity with crafts, games, and hands-on exploration, designed for ages 4-10 but open to all. At least one adult must accompany each family.
4. Birthday-in-a-Bag By INSIDE OUT CLUB
📅 Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM–11:00 AM
📍 Location: Naperville Bank & Trust Community Room, 555 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville
💡 Details: Assemble birthday boxes for individuals in need.
5. Winter Birds - Free Nature Discovery Days By Naperville Park District
📅 Date: Monday, February 17, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM–12:30 PM and 1:30 PM–4:00 PM
📍 Location: Naperville Park District
💡 Details: Same event as February 15, repeated for convenience.
Looking for something else? Having trouble getting started? Get in touch with the Student Volunteer Coordinator by making a request here, or email EngagedLearning@NoCtrl.edu.
Faculty Spotlight: Prof. Ryan Decker
Welcome to CSI’s Faculty Spotlight! Each month we will highlight the work of one of our colleagues who are helping students develop their sense of self and value to equip them to advance the common good.
We are grateful that Dr. Ryan Decker, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance and the Founding Director of the Center for Financial Literacy was kind enough to share his expertise and time with The Reflector.
A few years ago, Dr. Decker developed and launched SBEN210: Personal Finance. This course is North Central’s first ever course of this kind open to all students and reaches around 150 students each year! Aside from the time he spends with my students, Dr. Decker considers this Personal Finance course to be his greatest accomplishment at North Central. He also believes it’s part of his job to help students find their jobs. He says, “I find joy in connecting students to potential employers, alumni, and guiding them through the transition from college to life after college.”
We asked Dr. Decker a few questions about how economics and personal finance can help us understand and solve issues related to social justice and how students can get involved. Always thinking of students first, Dr. Decker pitched his answers directly to them.
Q: Why do you think it is important to incorporate issues related to equity, justice, and access to resources in your class?
A: “It’s important to understand the world in which you live. You need to be prepared to think critically about the news you read and the voices you hear. To appreciate the diversity in your community and discover where you stand on important topics you need to develop awareness, empathy, and an understanding of why we see certain inequities. In my field of study, it doesn’t get much more personal than your own personal finances. Financial illiteracy does not discriminate. Everyone has questions, concerns, and information gaps related to money management. However, income and wealth inequality plague our world and impact our daily lives. Understanding the systemic causes of inequalities is a crucial step to helping solve these issues. I hope my classes, and your education here at North Central, are a catalyst in pushing you out of your comfort zone to be a thoughtful and empathetic citizen and leader.”
Q: What motivates you to empower students to take control of their economic wellbeing and how you do it in and out of the classroom?
A: “I’m not one that receives motivation from quotes. However, the one that has always stuck with me is, ‘If you see something wrong, those that have the ability to take action, have the responsibility to take action.’
The lack of financial knowledge plagues our nation, and our world. I believe I can do something about it. Therefore, I have the responsibility to do something. For me, that means talking with you. I believe there is tremendous value in sharing together one of the most precious resources we have, our time. I enjoy talking to our students in and out of the classroom. Our world isn’t perfect. So, what do you want improved? What is your issue? What do you wish was better about our world? Do you have the ability to take action on that issue? I hope North Central teaches you about the world you live in, the good and the bad. I hope we provide you the critical thinking skills to discern the true causes of these issues. I hope we increase your passion and improve your ability to make a change.”
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for students looking to establish or deepen their sense of civic engagement?
A: “I believe that your life’s happiness will stem from spending time doing things you’re passionate about with people you care about. I believe that we are all passionate about something that can make a positive impact on others. You might not know what that is for you yet but keep looking for it. I think the most important part of my life is the time I spend with my family. Followed by the time I spend with my students. What is it for you? The Center for Financial Literacy didn’t exist before I started here. The Personal Finance course didn’t exist before I started here. They started because of three main reasons. 1) I thought of an idea to solve a problem. 2) I asked North Central if I could try and solve the problem. 3) They allowed me to try. If you want an opportunity, ask for it. You might be surprised how often you’ll be allowed to pursue your passion. When my kids ask me what I want them to be when the grow up, I tell them, ‘I want you to be happy and kind.’ I believe that good people do kind things for others. Do good. Be kind.”
