North Central College's 146th Commencement holds special significance

Few moments in life are more special than a college graduation ceremony, or commencement. This year's Commencement at North Central College on June 11 holds special significance as Naperville's college celebrates its Sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of its founding in 1861.

Saturday's ceremony in the College's Residence Hall/Recreation Center will be meaningful to the families and friends of the 529 students receiving bachelor degrees and 123 students who have completed advanced degrees. One of the more inspirational traditions at North Central occurs immediately after the Commencement ceremony, typically on Championship Plaza outside Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.

That's where faculty wearing their academic regalia form a lane and applaud as graduates pass by. Many graduates cannot resist stopping and hugging professors they have come to know so well during their studies, because at North Central you can't get by just being a face in a crowd. Class sizes are small, and many alumni tell how their North Central teachers inspired them to achieve greatness in life.

Carolyn Kalafut, daughter of Jean Heasley and Bill Kalafut of Westmont, was chosen to represent the graduates for the Class of 2011 as the Student Commencement Speaker at North Central.  Kalafut is a graduating senior majoring in psychology and plans to pursue a career as a motivational speaker.

In her speech, she reminds “everyone to remember and hold dearly our time spent here” at North Central College. She also says, “Each and every one of us has become a better version of the person who started here at North Central. … I have learned who I am, what I stand for and what I hope to contribute to society. I have learned that when you put your mind to something, you may surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.”

This year's Commencement speaker is Christian Wiman, editor of Poetry magazine, which is celebrating its 100th year and recently was awarded a prestigious 2011 National Magazine Award for General Excellence. Poetry magazine is supported by the Chicago-based Poetry Foundation and throughout its history has published works by major English-speaking poets while presenting emerging talents. In addition to his position as an editor, Wiman is a highly regarded author of three collections of poetry.

Honorary degrees will be awarded to Brenda Barnes, former chief executive of Sara Lee Corporation; Roger Hruby, a business leader and entrepreneur; and Myron Wentz, a scientist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and best-selling author. Hruby and Wentz are alumni of North Central College.

Barnes, of Naperville, serves as an inspirational role model for women balancing family and career. Prior to her resignation in August 2010 to recover her health following a stroke, Barnes was chair and chief executive officer of Downers Grove-based Sara Lee Corporation. Her experience includes roles at Wilson Sporting Goods, Frito Lay and PepsiCo, where she was named the first female CEO. Barnes left PepsiCo in 1997 to spend time with her three children and moved to Naperville to be closer to her extended family.

Hruby, a life trustee and 1958 graduate of North Central College, is widely recognized as a business leader and entrepreneur. Using his chemistry major from North Central and business acumen, he founded and chaired CFC International, Inc., a leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of holographics and specialty coatings. He earned an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and in 1998 became a member of the Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame in the Chicago area.

Hruby and his wife Nadeane are Naperville residents who have generously supported the College with a scholarship fund to help working undergraduates and assist part-time students; a gift for a state-of-the-art computer lab in Meiley-Swallow Hall; and by endowing a chair, the Roger and Nadeane Hruby Professor in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, now held by Stephen D. Johnston, associate professor of biology.

Hruby’s three years as chair of the Board of Trustees (2004-2007) were marked by the opening of the Rolland Center Boilerhouse Café, the renovation of Kiekhofer Hall and Koten Chapel, and the realization of long-held dreams to add fine arts facilities to campus. He assumed a leadership role in helping the College achieve its fundraising goal for the Wentz Center Hall and Fine Arts Center. At Commencement in 2007, Hruby was honored with the Gael D. Swing Award for Meritorious Service.

Wentz, a 1963 graduate and honorary trustee of North Central College, is known for his leadership in science, nutrition, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and now, as a bestselling author. Wentz graduated with a degree in biology from North Central College and earned a doctorate in microbiology from the University of Utah. He founded Gull Laboratories in Salt Lake City to answer the need for better medical diagnostic tests. He sold the company 20 years later and founded USANA Health Sciences. Wentz also established Sanoviv Medical Institute, a health and wellness center in Mexico. He has been inspired to address children’s medical needs in Uganda and Cambodia.

Most recently, Dr. Wentz and his son David, chief executive officer of USANA Health Sciences, have authored and promoted a book, “The Healthy Home,” a New York Times bestseller. The proceeds from the book will go to the Children’s Hunger Fund, which distributes food and other resources to children in impoverished communities worldwide.

Honored by North Central with an Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2003, Wentz accepted the award via a phone connection from Taipei, Taiwan, and officially announced his gift commitment toward a new Fine Arts Center. Five years later, he stood on the stage of the magnificent new Wentz Concert Hall to cut the ribbon. His gifts of foresight, generosity and leadership will forever be ingrained in the fabric of North Central College.

The Commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday is expected to draw more than 5,000 parents, alumni and visitors to North Central’s Residence Hall/Recreation Center, 440 S. Brainard St., Naperville. Tickets are not required but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis so guests are encouraged to arrive early. A procession begins at 9:40 a.m.

The ceremony will be broadcast live by Naperville Community Television (NCTV) and aired on Channel 17 and streamed live on nctv17.com and on the College’s website, northcentralcollege.edu.

For more information about Commencement activities, visit northcentralcollege.edu/commencement or contact the North Central College Office of Alumni Relations at 630-637-5200.