Vote Smart

Tired of trying to keep up with elections? Do you feel too uniformed to vote for the President of the United States or our very own elections? Here we offer a concise overview of presidential and student candidates!  

Thoughts of a College Student

When is this paper due? Did I pass that test? Is this good enough, or shall I redress? May I take a break, have some relief? My mind is tired and needs a good sleep. Some days I wonder what it is worth: The long hours studying, the books large in girth, The stress, the…

Going Against the Grain with Research Opportunities

Every time that I pour creamer in my coffee, I’m a bit mesmerized. The swirls and clouds of liquid seem to form randomly, yet with an overall order. Of course there must be some equation that yields the exact same vortex. Yes, this is what courses in fluid mechanics and heat transfer have told me….

Golden Opportunity

  I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was in fourth grade, after I realized I would not be able to handle putting down any puppies and kitties as a veterinarian. I have been surrounded by teachers my whole life not only in school, but also at home. Both of my…

Jason Goode: the Chill of Honors

What do you do for fun? I do a lot of different things for fun. I like to go to Dave and Busters with my wife and kids because we can all play games and eat there. When we are home, we usually have movie nights with popcorn, jump on our trampoline, or go outside…

Steve Uhren: the Bow Tie Wearing New Guy

What do you do for fun? Currently, I am enjoying setting up my plans and itinerary for a 5-day backpacking trip to the Porcupine Mountains. Asides from that, in the short term I thoroughly enjoy ‘hanging out’ in my hammock with my kindle. 2. How are you connected to the Honors Program? I am an…

Courtney Vandreese: the Advising Fellow

What do you do for fun? I LOVE the outdoors and being active. Running, biking, hiking, rollerblading, camping, you name it. It’s a great way to keep in shape while enjoying God’s beauty. 2. How are you connected to the Honors Program? I am one of the University Honors Fellows. As a fellow, I am…

Maggie Miller

Major: Psychology and Biochemistry Hometown: Rockton, IL Responsibilities: Coordinator Coordinate assignments and responsibilities for other bloggers Submit Study Abroad information for honors students Act as a liaison between Honors and the Luminary executive board   Why I joined the Luminary: I joined the Luminary my freshman year as a columnist. I fell in love with the…

Ashley Heins

Major: Visual Communications Minor: Marketing Hometown:  Tinley Park, IL Responsibilities: Head Photography Submitting personal photography work Reviewing all photography submissions Why I joined the Luminary: I joined this organization very recently. Being an art major, I have a love for all artistic forms, whether it is writing, drawing, photography, or especially digital art! I have also…

Emma Harvey

Major: Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Acting Emphasis Minor: Spanish Hometown: Portage, WI Responsibilities: Public Relations Utilize Social Media to promote the Luminary and share submissions Why I joined the Luminary:  I love the arts, I love writing, and I wanted to be more involved with the University Honors Program; the Luminary was the perfect chance to…

Lydia Moore

Major: Health and Human Sciences with a Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis Minor: Kinesiology Hometown: Sycamore, IL Responsibilities: Copy Editor Correspond with students and editorial board Review monthly submissions Why I joined the Luminary: I joined this organization my freshman year at NIU because I wanted to get more involved with the honors program and I thought…