2020 News

• SCPS welcomes new Dean Tatum Thomas
• DePaul Newsline profiles SCPS Faculty Dr. Joe Chen
• Watch Dr. Derise Tolliver Atta's TEDx talk on Sankofa and your inner voice
• Watch MAEA student Dorothy Grigg's recent TEDx talk on marginalized voices
• Read Newsline's profile on SCPS alumni Amar Patel and his career as Business Intelligence lead

2020 Spring and Summer Excellence and Distinctions

Dr. Tatum Thomas, Associate Professor, SCPS Dean

• Appointed to the DePaul Institute for Restorative Academic and Civic Engagement Planning Committee
• Published “Shaping the Future of Higher Ed with Short-Term Credentials”, appearing in The Evolution:  A Modern Campus Illumination  (03/17/2021)
• Presented with colleagues J. Blossey, J. Harris, R. Mackinnon, S. Pardys, and M. Selph, “Women in business: Overcoming challenges in the workplace [Panel discussion]. Driehaus College of Business. May 11, 2021
• Presentation with Alex Hernandez and Dr. Shelia Thomas, on the topics of education using cutting-edge benchmarking data, fueled by the UPCEA Center for Research & Strategy.  Virtual presentation, hosted by the UPCEA Annual Conference, UPCEA Institutional Representatives Annual Briefing: The Pandemic's Domino Effect on PCO, April 7-9, 2021, Washington, DC 20036.
• Presented at the 2020 Marketing and Enrollment Management Seminar, in collaboration with Suzana Diaz Rosencrans and Stephanie Platteter. 12/2/2020.

Patrizia Acerra, MA, SCPS Assistant Director, Academic Advising

• Launched an 11th annual festival of plays in translation on International Voices Project of Chicago.
• Fall production, Twice, Thrice, Frice, was nominated for two 2020 Jeff Awards (Chicago's highest theatre awards). Patrizia was the Director of the play.
• Panelist at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education 2020 Conference in July titled “Drama Across Borders”.

Dr. Marisa Alicea, Professor

• Appointed Interim Director of SCPS Undergraduate Program
• Proposal submitted in Spring for the BA in Nonprofit Management degree, was approved by Committee on Curricular Programs (CCP). SCPS now offers this course.
• Awarded an Undergraduate Research Assistant grant:  Research project titled -Reframing Radicalism: Women leaders in Chicago, Puerto Rico, the Yucatan and Kenya.

Joseph Cunniff, Adjunct Professor

• Celebrates 36 years of teaching in the arts for DePaul and his 40th year of writing about the arts in Chicago.

Susanne Dumbleton, Professor Emerita

• Spring publication, Isn’t it time everyone had enough?” appeared in the in the Chicago Sun Times, May 2020.
• Taught at the Newberry Library: "Little Women: Lots of Troubles; Jolly Stories."

Christine Hayda, MS, Program Manager, Academic Services

• SCPS representative at the ILACADA annual conference, September 11, 2020:  “Best Practices in Advising Adult Students in the Time of Covid”.

Dr. Dan K. Hibbler, Associate Professor

• Appointed by President Esteban to the President’s Diversity Advisory Committee

Dr. Deborah Holton, Professor Emerita

• Co-hosted with Dr. Catherine Marienau, Professor Emerita, six monthly sessions on Aging Solo-together for the TTN-Chicago chapter, exploring ways to ‘feed well-being with self-care.’
• Hosted series of eight TTN-Chicago chapter sessions centered on Martha Beck’s self-help text, Finding Your Own North Star.
• The AARP Foundation highlighted Deborah’s “Comfort Club” in its Cultivating Entrepreneurship annual report.

Dr. John Kimsey, Associate Professor

• Received the SCPS's Excellence in Teaching Award at the Fall 2020 Academic Convocation.

Dr. Caroline Kisiel, Associate Professor

• Published “Designs for embodiment and soul: Offerings for adult learners in the twenty-first century college classroom”, in Phenomenologies of grace: The body, embodiment and transformative futures. London, UK: Palgrave Macmillan. (2020)
• Awarded a Dean’s Innovation Grant to facilitate three virtual Community Engagement Network (CEN) events in Summer and early Fall 2020 in collaboration with DePaul colleagues and emeriti: In collaboration with Dr. Marisa Alicea, and John LittleJohn, Adjunct Faculty, Director of SCPS Adult Men of Color Initiative:  “A Front Porch Conversation about Adult Men of Color as Learners,” (July 27, 2020); “A Tribute to Arthur W. Checkering (April 1927-August 2020)” (September 25, 2020), moderated by Professor Emerita, Dr. Catherine Marienau; and “Empowering the Vote in Communities: Awareness, Understanding and Action” (September 28, 2020), a collaboration with DePaul Associate Professor, Dr. Christina Rivers.

Labor Education Center

• Hired its first student worker, Makayla Jackson.  Makayla is a student at DePaul majoring in Psychology and minoring in African and Black Diaspora Studies. She is also a DePaul Leadership Scholar.
• Awarded $48,000 from the Regina V. Polk Scholarship Fund for Labor Leadership to run LEC’ youth programs.

Dr. Catherine Marienau, Professor Emerita hosted several podcasts:

• Reimagining Law
• Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined
• Brain-based Adult Learning

Dr. Zoab Mirza, Adjunct Faculty

• Paper entitled, “Development of Good Human Beings” was accepted by International Forum on Teaching and Study (IFOTS) - American Scholar Press, to be published in the Fall.
• Featured as an "Influential" Educator, InTheir20s.   

Doug Murphy, MA, Adjunct Faculty

• Appointed Dean of Operations and Special Educational Initiatives at the Moody Bible Institute.

Dr. Susan Reed, Professor Emerita

• ​Published article, My Take: The fight for Lake Michigan, in the Holland Sentinel newspaper.  May 2020

Telisa Robinson-Davis, Retention Coordinator

• Nominated for Supervisor of the Year. Telisa was recognized for her mentorship, interest in employee development, and contributions to the DePaul community as a DePaul supervisor for peer mentors.

Leyfane J. Thomas, MA Communications Coordinator

• Appointed to the Faulty and Staff Alumni Committee, (August 2020).
• Re-appointed to the University’s Student Commencement Speaker Selection Committee (September 2020).
• Earned certifications in Project Management, Social Media Strategies and Marketing, Marketing Communications, Instagram, Facebook Foundations and Pivoting to Virtual Events.

R. Craig Sautter, Adjunct Faculty

• ​Recently published his second book of poetry. The Sound of One Hand Typing.

Winter 2020

Dr. Donald Opitz, Interim Dean

• Appointed Guest Editor of the Topical Collection, Women, Gender, Sexuality and Biology of the Journal of History of Biology and; 
• Appointed to the Nominations Committee of the Division of History of Science and Technology, International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.

Patrizia Acerra, MA, Senior Academic Advisor and Adjunct Faculty

• Professional Artist Panelist for Theatre Y on presenting Global Theatre to American Audiences, Apr 8, 2020. 
• Walter Adams, MPPM, Adjunct Faculty
• QM Award for online course,   DCM302 Project Management: Design and Assessment, Jan 2020.

Kamilah Cummings, MA, Dr. Kenya Grooms, Nicholas Hayes, MFA  and Steffanie Triller Fry, MFA, along with former Associate Professor, Dr. Michelle Navarre Cleary, co-authored and published:

• Not for The Kids: Writing Support That Works for Adult Learners. In the Basic Writing e-journal, Issue 15:`1. Online

Molia Dumbleton, MA, Adjunct Faculty

• Published short story “What You Have Been Told” was nominated and recently selected by The Sonder Review, for the 2020 Best Small Fictions Anthology.

Christine Hayda, MS, Adjunct Faculty and Program Manager

• Presented It Takes a Village: Launching and Retaining Successful on Site Bachelor Degree Cohorts, (along with DePaul EMM colleagues) at the Adult Recruitment and Retention Conference, Madison, WI. Mar 9, 2020. 

Nicholas Hayes, MFA, Adjunct Faculty and Assistant Director, OPLA

• Authored and published Amorphous Organics, a poetry chapter, in SurVision Books. Amorphous Organics also placed second in the 2nd James Tate International Poetry Prize, this past fall. 
• Authored and published Beauty and the Tumblebeast: Tumblr, Self-Portraits and Depictions of Masculinity. In Masculinity Journal, Online.  

Dr. Sara Kimble, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director

• Published in Law and History, “Of Masculine Tyranny and the Women's Jury: The Gender Politics of Jury Service in Third Republic France”, Vol. 37, Issue 4 (Nov 2019, pp. 867-902). Dr. Kimble’s’ research methods featured in The Docket (2020).
• Awarded a Franklin Research Grant ($6,000) by the American Philosophical Society to conduct research in London archives.
• Awarded a DePaul URC Paid Research Leave for her historical research project on “Feminists against Genocide” (AY 2020-2021).  

Gina Orlando, MA, CH, Adjunct Faculty

• Authored and published Stress Reduction.  In the DePaul Magazine, Vol 1, Issue. 412027 Winter 2020.  Feb 15, 2020, Master Class pg. 11.

Dr. Jessica Cook-Qurayshi, Director, Labor Education and Jessica Espinoza, BA, Associate Director, Labor Education presented:

• Workers’ Rights During the COVID-19 Crisis, for the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, Apr 9, 2020.

Dr. Lisa Saye, Adjunct Faculty, authored and published:

• Climate-Proof Public Service: Vision, Truth and Legacy, Feb 2, 2020 and The Coronavirus Pandemic: A Condition of History in Living Memory, Apr 5, 2020 in the PA Times.

Dr. Gabriele Strohschen, Professor Emerita, authored and published:

• By Means of Critical Theory: Informed Emancipatory Education – An Essay on Realities and Possibilities” in V. Wang. (Ed), Handbook of Research on Ethical Challenges in Higher Education Leadership and Administration with IGI Global Publishing.
• Authentic Assessment, Implementation, and Evaluation in Social Movements: Considerations for Educators and her former mentee, SCPS Alumnus (MAAPS ‘19) and recipient of SCPS Student Excellence Award (2019), Dwayne Small published "The hidden curriculum in public schools and its disadvantage to minority students” in the International Forum Of Teaching and Study Vol.16 No 1, 2020, Atlanta, GA., Am. Scholars Press.
• Co-facilitated a dialogue on the themes of white cultural identities, power, privilege, and internalized racism and how to identify and heal communities for the Muncie and university faculty. SCPS Alumnae, Deborah McPhee (MAAPS ‘18) and Doreath Lomax (MAAPS ‘17) were participants; “Beyond the classroom: When engaging students in service-learning leads to social change and Mentoring with colleague Dr. Vincent Wiggins.   Ball State University. Feb 2020.

Shana Wills, MA, Adjunct Faculty

• QM+Star Award, for DCM325 Work and Society. Online course, Jan 2020.

Staff Recognition Awards

• Patrizia Acerra, MA, Adjunct Faculty and Senior Academic Advisor;
• Nicholas Hayes, MFA, Adjunct Faculty and Assistant Director, OPLA;
• Sandy Rodriguez, Marketing Communications Specialist
• Leyfane Thomas, MA, Communications Coordinator, Student Engagement, Enrollment Services.  

July 17, 2020 SCPS Interim Dean, Donald Opitz virtual celebration

SCPS faculty, staff, students and friends, celebrated virtually, Dr. Donald Opitz, his leadership and contributions as SCPS Interim Dean.  Although, Dr. Opitz’s tenure as Interim Dean, ended June 30, 2020, he will remain a vital member of SCPS full-time resident faculty and instructor.

June 30, 2020 Student Excellence Awards

On June 12, 2020 the Student Excellence Award Committee, presented a range of honors for undergraduate students, staff and alumni at its annual awards celebration, held virtually. A culminating event for DePaul's adult learners, the ceremony celebrates SCPS’s graduates both near and far. SCPS awards are an inspiration to strive for excellence.  The awards recognizes excellent work by ‘committee-stage’ students and are consistent with the culture and philosophy of SCPS. Awards are made each spring for the Advanced Projects, Externships, and products of Advanced Electives, Research Seminars, Capstone, Applied Inquiry Projects; Integrating Projects; and Culminating Projects.    

The following SCPS students were recipients of the 2020 Student Excellence awards:

• Vicky L. Arias, for "Emotional Intelligence Testing and Its Various Forms", a research proposal.
• Greg Black, for an advanced project entitled, "Form and Function: Shipping Container Architecture in a Changing Landscape"
• Patrick Bowery, a capstone project entitled, "Law Enforcement Suicide".
• Graham Bromley, an externship project entitled, "Caregiver".
• Patrick Forbes,  an advanced project entitled, "Police Recruitment and Retention: Confronting the Recruitment Crisis".
• Javier Lopez, an advanced project entitled, "Cross-examining Models that Define Causes of Islamic Radicalization in the United States".
• Marisol Medina, an advanced project entitled, "Creating a Coaching Practice for Managers".
• Tiffany Parton, a  capstone project entitled,"Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness:  Definitions and Evaluation".
• LeMonica Rider, a capstone project entitled, "Ethnic Hair and the effects of Diversity in the Workplace".
• Michael J. Robb, a capstone project entitled, "Motivating Millennials and Management: Recommendations to Decrease Turnover and Increase Employee Retention".
• Amy Waters, a capstone project entitled, "Introverts and Leadership".

Honors of Excellence for Alumni, Students and Staff

• Charles Twichell, (BA ’14), David O. Justice Award
• Adam C. Bumpers, (BA '20), Weinberg Memorial for project, "Citizens Against Gentrification"
• LaTonja M. Dotson, (BA'20), Student Commencement Speaker
• Shirley Rice Bono, MA, Assistant Dean, SCPS Academic Services, Lifelong Learning Award
• Cynthia Flores, BA, OPLA, Staff Appreciation Award

HR Staff Recognition Award

• Patrizia Acerra, MA,
• Joseph Chen, Ph.D
• Maribel Garcia, Nicholas Hayes, M.F.A.
• Sandy Rodriguez
• Leyfane J. Thomas, MA

October 31, 2019: SCPS Open House

IT WAS TRANSFORMATIONAL!   

So, one may ask, “What was?"  And we will enthusiastically shout,  "SCPS OCTOBER 17, 2019 OPEN HOUSE"!!!!  

 Students, Alumni, Family and Friends made good on the opportunity to meet and greet SCPS Interim Dean, Dr. Donald Opitz, SCPS Faculty and SCPS Staff. Program Directors, Dr. Arieahn Matamonasa (Graduate Program) and Dr. Sara Kimble (Undergraduate Programs) along with Dr. Hap Bryant (CPE) and SCPS staff, led informed conversations about credentialing and college credit, prior learning assessment, scholarship opportunities, discounts,  student engagement initiatives (i.e. Men of Color, SCPS Honor Society, Dean’s List and Peer Mentoring).  SCPS Open House was a perfect way to ensure that our students, alumni, family and friends were well informed about turning experiences into success at SCPS!  

There were three separate, yet stimulating, inspiring, short faculty lead “sneak-peek” into learning outcomes: “ArtShare”, an Independent Learning Pursuit (ILP) option, led by Dr. Susan McGury; a motivating, pleasurable and fun course, “Leisure, Recreation and Health”, facilitated by Dr. Dan K. Hibbler and an introduction to the Center to Advance Education for Adults (CAEA), with Dr. Caroline Kisiel as the facilitator.   CAEA is a network of adult learning practitioners, exchanging ideas and inspiring strategies for learning in diverse settings. 

Free “Great Swag Bags” given at check-in as well as free entrant raffle ticket. 

A hearty congratulations to SCPS Student, Sillisa Humphrey, as she met the Host Challenge: bring the most guests to the Open house.   Sillisa won a $75.00 Gift Card.  Raffle Prize winners were: 1st Place, Natalie Young (DPU Hoodie),  2nd Place,  Victor Rivera (SCPS Padfolio and $15 Gift Card, Barnes and Nobles), 3rd Place,  Maria Mariottini (SCPS Tumbler and $15 Gift Card, Barnes and Nobles).  

Finally, as the open house participants walked among the masses … there in the distance appeared a giant, smiling DIBS!   The Open House participants smiled, too, taking selfies and sharing big high-fives with DIBS.   DIBS added to the fun and offered a good way to reinforce top-of-mind brand awareness!   From the heart of SCPS, thank you, DIBS!! Go Blue Demons!!!

With Candor is where real conversations meet real impact. This series dives into the stories, challenges, and successes of leaders who don’t just talk about change—they make it happen. Hosted by Dean Tatum Thomas, these candid fireside chats offer actionable insights from innovators across industries, blending personal experience with professional know-how to inspire your next big move. Whether you’re looking for career motivation, industry insights, or simply a spark of inspiration, With Candor delivers the conversations that matter most and spotlights professionals who bridge vision with execution and define success in the modern workforce.

See below for a list of the upcoming With Candor events and for a link to register. 

 

A Blueprint for Leadership: Growth, Grit, and Getting It Done

• Date: Thursday, March 13th, 2025
• Location: Online
• Time: 6:00pm CT
• Register Here

Leveraging your professional networks is a powerful strategy for career growth and development. Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn can help you build relationships that can lead to collaborations, job referrals, and professional support. These connections allow you to stay updated on industry trends and best practices, making you more competitive in your field.

Join us in learning how to enhance your career trajectory by utilizing your social capital.

• Date: Thursday, February 20th
• Location: Online via Zoom
• Time: 12-1pm CT
• Register Here
• Event Flyer

DePaul University School of Continuing and Professional Studies invites you to free webinars on topics such as career reinvention,  health and well-being, finding your purpose, and personal finance. These thought-provoking sessions are designed to motivate, inspire, and prepare participants for future success. Join our expert DePaul University faculty and learn for life.

The Learn for Life webinar series runs during the academic year, from September through May. Webinars are hosted every other month.

Click here to learn more