Skip to Main Content
College of DuPage's Student Newspaper

The Courier

College of DuPage's Student Newspaper

The Courier

Content by Caroline Broderick
Zlatka Burtis: turning the old into new

Zlatka Burtis: turning the old into new

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor May 15, 2017

  Zlatka Burtis came to the U.S. from the Czech Republic on a whim when she was 20 with a six-month visa. She knew nobody. She knew no English. She took to the College of DuPage for her education,...

“Emma Goes to School” celebrates differences: Adjunct professor begins crowdfunding children’s book

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor May 15, 2017

  It took two years for Emma Nelson to be diagnosed with Schaaf-Yang syndrome, and she became one of the 90 children in the world to be found with it. Adjunct COD professor, Kristin Pack, also...

The Simpson family: a testament to the college’s progression and opportunity

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor May 3, 2017

For the majority of the past 50 years, there has been a Simpson at the College of DuPage. Starting in 1979, Ron and Linda Simpson began working as fire science instructors in M building, in what is now...

Theater Wit’s “10 out of 12” promising performance ends with confusion, slight anger and great disappointment

Theater Wit’s “10 out of 12” promising performance ends with confusion, slight anger and great disappointment

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 25, 2017

  When I heard there was a play written about the first tech rehearsal of a show where the audience members are given headsets to listen to the hysteria from the techies, I thought I was in heaven. ...

Annual student art gallery opens at Cleve Carney

Annual student art gallery opens at Cleve Carney

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 25, 2017

When student Alex Hohnsen accepted her admittance to Butler University, she never imagined that she’d be back home attending the College of DuPage. Her decision to leave after one year spawned from...

Inside the No. 1 medical marijuana dispensary in Illinois

Inside the No. 1 medical marijuana dispensary in Illinois

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 25, 2017

Hugo Fernandez was a self-proclaimed conservative who never imagined touching any drug. This was before his wife, Traci Fernandez, became paralyzed from the chest down because of a neurological spinal...

Q&A: 2016-2017 Outstanding Faculty, Karan Oliver-Tucci

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 12, 2017

  Every year students are invited to nominate their favorite professors and faculty members, and every year an outstanding faculty member is recognized above the rest. This year, Anatomy and Physiology...

Artist Amanda Williams transforms the South Side through color: Award-winning artist to round-up COD’s spring Visiting Artist series

Artist Amanda Williams transforms the South Side through color: Award-winning artist to round-up COD’s spring Visiting Artist series

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 12, 2017

  Through artist Amanda Williams’ eyes, colors take on a whole new meaning. They’re not just primary, secondary or tertiary. Yellow isn’t happiness. Red isn’t passion. Black isn’t hopeless....

“Girls Like That” cast members find self-truth in their work

“Girls Like That” cast members find self-truth in their work

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 5, 2017

Auditions, preparations and designing for college theater’s second spring show - “Girls Like That” - have left an unexpectedly lasting impact on its actors as they head to the April 7 opening.   The...

Ben Pohl: car crash survivor, motivational speaker, automotive student

Ben Pohl: car crash survivor, motivational speaker, automotive student

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 15, 2017

Ben Pohl saw himself as invincible. He was the self-proclaimed class clown in his small high school in Iowa of 250 students. He looks back at himself as having a life of luck. At the age of 17, Pohl’s...

Playwright and actress Rohina Malik, formerly of Skokie and a Niles North High School graduate, prepares April 13, 2011 for a performance at Niles North, where she did three monologues as Muslim women characters. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune/MCT via Getty Images)

“Unveiled,” uncovers the reality living as a Muslim women: COD invites Rohina Malik to perform one woman show

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 8, 2017

  When Rohina Malik was in high school, her heart belonged to theater. In her early thirties, she found herself working as a Montessori school teacher. Her heart remained in performing arts, though...

A night with Ira Glass: A peek into the mind of host and producer of “This American Life”

A night with Ira Glass: A peek into the mind of host and producer of “This American Life”

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 1, 2017

  It was an out-of-body-experience walking down the hall of the MAC and hearing that voice: the warm, oddly-calm yet oddly-extremely passionate voice, which I had heard so many times before through...

Q & A: Brian Brems, film-lover and professor

Q & A: Brian Brems, film-lover and professor

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor February 24, 2017

Assistant professor of English Brian Brems has gained notoriety amongst students for showing them a different lens in which to see film. Teaching English Composition I, II, Film as Literature, and Intro...

Maxine Butcher: 90 years old and still killin' the game

Maxine Butcher: 90 years old and still killin’ the game

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor February 15, 2017

Maxine Butcher may be the longest enrolled student in the College of DuPage’s history. No, it’s not because she still hasn’t finished her associates degree. It’s not because she’s failed out...

“Dark Light” connects past prejudice to current times

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor February 8, 2017

    The blank, glazed over stare of a young African-American boy pierces into patrons as they experience the current exhibition on display in the Cleve Carney Gallery: Nadia Hironaka and...

BTE’s “Good People” opens doors for students

BTE’s “Good People” opens doors for students

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor February 1, 2017

  As the new semester opens, so do the curtains on College of DuPage’s resident theater company, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble (BTE).   Opening Feb. 2 and running until March 5, David-Lindsay...

“Split” leaves nothing for the mind

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor February 1, 2017

  As I watched trailers for M. Night Shyamalan’s newest movie, “Split,” I couldn’t help but say a little prayer in hopes it would be Shyamalan’s saving grace. Coming as no surprise, it...

Louder than words: Honors students organize silent walk to unify community

Louder than words: Honors students organize silent walk to unify community

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor December 7, 2016

The presidential election that shook the nation occurred almost a month ago, yet the aftermath and concerns continue on, especially at the college. Before Thanksgiving break, a campus conversation occurred...

Q&A: Artist and veteran, Ken Jacobs

Q&A: Artist and veteran, Ken Jacobs

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor November 30, 2016

Recently, student Ken Jacobs displayed his work in the annual Student Veteran Art Gallery hosted at the Wings Student Art Gallery. With varying technique and media, Jacobs’ work keeps the mind wondering...

#NotOnMyCampus: COD confronts student and staff insecurity with “campus conversation”

#NotOnMyCampus: COD confronts student and staff insecurity with “campus conversation”

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor November 30, 2016

  Speech professor Tabatha Roberts’ voice shared the bone-chilling experience her student had on campus. Another student told Roberts’ student that her time was up, she was going to get lynched. Roberts’...

Student Veteran's Art Exhibit - Gallery

Student Veteran’s Art Exhibit – Gallery

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor November 17, 2016

Creating artwork from various mediums became an unexpecting passion for retired Army captain, Ken Jacobs. When signing up for an art class at the college, it was not predicted he would present his artwork...

Diveheart founder & Penn State entrepreneurship faculty: Courier's Distinguished Alumni

Diveheart founder & Penn State entrepreneurship faculty: Courier’s Distinguished Alumni

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor November 16, 2016

  Linda C. Feltman Then: Courier advertisement manager, class of ‘72 Now: Coordinator for Global Entrepreneurship Week, Student Entrepreneurship Consultant, Small Business Development...

Alum attempts to break hugging world record

Alum attempts to break hugging world record

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor November 9, 2016

Shaped into a line along the perimeter of the atrium were 100 individuals, faculty and students, with arms spread wide. Running down this line, sweaty but smiling, was Tom Krieglstein, 2000 Outstanding...

“Tattoo” gives a new meaning to your ink

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor November 9, 2016

  A piece of art, a trashy symbol, a meaningful memory. Tattoos mean varying things to each person, but behind each tattoo is a story, a piece of someone’s history. “Tattoo,” the latest...

Native American symposium to celebrate past and present

Native American symposium to celebrate past and present

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor November 2, 2016

  The Native American Studies Committee, along with Global Education Department has detected a flaw in COD’s community: the lack of awareness and visibility of Native Americans. “There is...

Concert review: Jon Bellion at the Riviera Theater

Concert review: Jon Bellion at the Riviera Theater

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor November 2, 2016

  Jon Bellion has provided lyrics that distinguish themselves from other popular artists these days. Speaking about topics usually ignored with rapping and remixes like no other, his connection...

"The Magic Play" explores deep, connectable emotion

“The Magic Play” explores deep, connectable emotion

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor November 2, 2016

  The stage remains lit as audience members walk in. The small theater is filled through the balcony, floor and mezzanine. An ace of spades is projected behind a wooden stage, completed with three...

"What is this punk rock?" A Ramones pop-up photo show at COD

“What is this punk rock?” A Ramones pop-up photo show at COD

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor October 27, 2016

In 1980, hearing the name “Ramones” didn’t ring the same bells as they do now. For then-COD student, and now photography professor, Frank Jackowiak, hearing the Ramones were performing at COD...

A big welcome to indie psych pop

A big welcome to indie psych pop

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor October 27, 2016

  I didn’t expect four Australian boys to steal my heart quite like the Young Monks have. Desperation for new sound brought me to travel through SoundCloud, “Bad Bad Freddy,” by the Young...

I talk with my hands: Ask a Deaf student

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor October 19, 2016

Melissa Vargas is a student just like us. She has aspirations. She goes to classes and is active in clubs. She even has her eyes set on an Informational Technician, has a love for volleyball and emits...

Hot Yoga Naperville: First impressions

Hot Yoga Naperville: First impressions

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor October 19, 2016

  When it comes to expenses in college, many students are not able to put their health at the top of their budget plan. Between textbooks, paying for tuition, living expenses and more, paying for...

Q+A Interfaith Youth Core founder, White House council member, COD alum: Eboo Patel

Q+A Interfaith Youth Core founder, White House council member, COD alum: Eboo Patel

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor October 11, 2016

  For COD’s 50th anniversary, two successful alumni authors, Leigh Stein and Eboo Patel are returning Oct. 13 for a Writers Read event. Patel shared his excitement, explained his work for President...

How Iliza Shlesinger made me see women in comedy

How Iliza Shlesinger made me see women in comedy

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor October 11, 2016

As I scroll through Netflix’s eternal black abyss of content, I quickly go to watch one of America’s favorite modern comedians, Louis C.K. It is then, in that banal moment, that somewhat of an epiphany...

Aaron Ozee: Poet, story teller

Aaron Ozee: Poet, story teller

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor October 4, 2016

Ever since student Aaron Ozee was five years old, he dedicated his time to small, seemingly unimportant picture books, then moved on to short stories and poems.   Having divorced parents, Ozee...

Q+A with award-winning author, founder of ‘Out of the Binders,’ and COD alum: Leigh Stein

Q+A with award-winning author, founder of ‘Out of the Binders,’ and COD alum: Leigh Stein

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor October 4, 2016

To preview COD’s “Writers Read” event being held Oct. 13, Leigh Stein talked to our Features Editor, Caroline Broderick to discuss her latest book, her experience at COD, abusive relationships and...

Glen Ellyn resident chosen to be Global Heroes runner

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor September 29, 2016

Worrying about which goblin or ghoul you’re going to be is oftentimes the only worry 4-year-olds have on Halloween. For Glen Ellyn resident Carolyn Friedman, her Halloween at 4 years-old was a lot more...

BTE returns with hilarious farce, “Don’t Dress for Dinner”

BTE returns with hilarious farce, “Don’t Dress for Dinner”

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor September 29, 2016

  Green posters, pages of signatures, full hearts and countless petitions from community members is what finally got the Buffalo Theater Ensemble (BTE) reinstated into COD and given them the opportunity...

COD confronts heroin abuse

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor September 21, 2016

DuPage County is the home to the second most deaths attributed to heroin overdoses, only next to Cook County.   With the statistics growing, Dennis Emano, mental health counselor at COD knew...

The Rave Guardian

The Rave Guardian

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor September 21, 2016

When call boxes, security cameras or police officers are not readily available, a solution to the safety gap can be found in a cell phone app endorsed by COD campus police   COD has recognized...

100 monsters attack COD

100 monsters attack COD

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor September 21, 2016

Alastaire Lundeen didn’t imagine her “playful but creepy” 100 monsters to be put on display for thousands of students to react to.   Initially as her final project for drawing, Lundeen...

Grouplove is a big, beautiful mess

Grouplove is a big, beautiful mess

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor September 13, 2016

Grouplove’s latest release, “Big Mess” is like looking inside somebody’s brain. What makes it even cooler is that with each song you feel as if the brain they’re singing from and peeking into...

Run to end hunger

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor September 13, 2016

Christine Kickels is known to be found where the books are. As COD’s reference librarian, she is well versed with everything literature, but she’s got a passion tucked in her sleeve.   Kickels...

Thirdstory at Lincoln Hall

Thirdstory at Lincoln Hall

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor September 13, 2016

As an avid concert-goer, I find it continually difficult to be impressed or surprised by a live performer. So when I cried during Thirdstory’s concert last week, I could not believe it. The three-boy...

Reflecting on 30 years of art

Reflecting on 30 years of art

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor September 6, 2016

This year is not just a celebration of COD’s 50th year, but the 30th anniversary of professional art being on campus.   Before COD’s art gallery was known as the Cleve Carney Art Gallery,...

New solution to college stress

New solution to college stress

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor September 6, 2016

Beginning 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7 in SSC 1225, guided meditation workshops will be held every week. Run by Margaret McKenzie and hosted by the Mental Health Awareness Team and Counseling Services,...

Who is the real Rondeau?

Who is the real Rondeau?

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor August 30, 2016

  In many ways, Ann Rondeau's life began when her father's ended.   Coming from a “small, intact family,” Rondeau grew up with her sister, who now resides in Wisconsin, her mother...

Making COD worthwhile

Making COD worthwhile

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor August 30, 2016

For each fall semester, students apply to become a New Student Orientation (NSO) Leader. These leaders turn in resumes, answer questions and obtain multiple recommendations to be chosen to assist first...

My float-tank experience

My float-tank experience

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor May 24, 2016

  WHAT IT IS AND WHY For Doug Tansor, owner of NorthCoast Wellness Center, floating and chiropractic care was a natural solution to real, life-hindering symptoms that clouded his days.   “I...

Where's the food pantry?

Where’s the food pantry?

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor May 10, 2016

  It’s been months since Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) discovered widespread hunger at College of DuPage through surveys.   Earlier this year the Courier reported on surveys administered and...

New LYM crew become pediatric cancer patient’s superheroes

New LYM crew become pediatric cancer patient’s superheroes

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor May 10, 2016

A typical night for Braden Kubish doesn’t involve superheroes, but thanks to College of DuPage’s Love Your Melon (LYM) campus crew, Kubish experienced a night he will never forget.   With...

Spotify playlist: May 4

Spotify playlist: May 4

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor May 5, 2016

https://play.spotify.com/user/codcourier/playlist/1H8ET748VfWPTMTuoqJYKr Something To Believe In Young the Giant Alternative Pop Related to: Neon Trees, Atlas Genius We all know morning...

Spotify playlist: April 27

Spotify playlist: April 27

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor May 5, 2016

https://play.spotify.com/user/codcourier/playlist/1H8ET748VfWPTMTuoqJYKr Carl Sagan By: Night Moves Alternative Comparable to: The War on Drugs, Foxygen This song has been my go-to for...

From tears of pain to tales of courage

From tears of pain to tales of courage

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor May 3, 2016

  For some, a college campus can be a biggest fear.   With one in five women being victims of attempted or completed sexual assault while in college, according to the National Institute...

Students create customizable longboard company

Students create customizable longboard company

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor May 3, 2016

What do you get when you take a business, engineering and art major and put them together? Obviously an entirely customizable skateboard business, specifically longboards. Tabor Luther, Andy...

Erin Thompson in 2008 wearing bandana to hide pulling spots and Thompson in 2016 with shaven head

I’m a Trich-ster

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor May 3, 2016

Erin Thompson walks through the halls of COD proudly with a freshly shaven head. Her tall stature holds her head high with a spunky attitude, though her shaven head represents years of battle against herself.   The...

New Historical Reenactment club celebrates Shakespeare’s 400th year

New Historical Reenactment club celebrates Shakespeare’s 400th year

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 27, 2016

Some people enjoy science. Some people enjoy English. Others enjoy history and others enjoy being a part of the history.   This past semester, students found themselves becoming a part of...

Promoting peace and combatting ignorance

Promoting peace and combatting ignorance

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 19, 2016

As current campaigns and headlines reveal, Islam is a hot-button topic today. What comes with being a popular topic are endless misconceptions and preconceived notions. These misconceptions can transform...

Ready, bake, go!

Ready, bake, go!

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 19, 2016

  Fluffy, small, covered in icing. Everybody loves a good cupcake, and select people love the process of making them. Sodexo, COD’s food service provider, has turned these mouthwatering treats...

Celebrating Holi: Why I got attacked with colored powder

Celebrating Holi: Why I got attacked with colored powder

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 12, 2016

I never knew what chalk tasted like before experiencing Holi. I also never truly got to experience happiness with so many strangers.   Holi is the reason why you see your friends posting photos...

Student art gallery opens

Student art gallery opens

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 12, 2016

As patrons enter, they observe their surroundings. Washed over with natural sunlight, a large hand built ceramic gun stands in front of Cleve Carney’s windows. Juxtaposing the controversial yet intricate...

Earth Week celebrations

Earth Week celebrations

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 12, 2016

The College of DuPage Environmental club, Alter Ego Productions and Students for Animal Welfare have teamed up to bring a mini “veg-fest” to campus the week of April 18 to celebrate Earth Week. Food,...

CODCON celebrates the world of Sci-Fi

CODCON celebrates the world of Sci-Fi

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 12, 2016

For 21 years, Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Gaming club has brought together hundreds of community members to celebrate their love for anything between video games to manga, Dungeons and Dragons and beyond.   No...

Club brings Meatless Mondays to campus

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 5, 2016

The Students for Animal Welfare club has incorporated an easy compromise for students stuck between wanting to help animals, but not wanting to give up meat consumption completely.   The idea...

Make war for art

Make war for art

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 5, 2016

Is there a better way to let your voice be heard than to put on a gorilla mask and go forth into the world?   The Guerrilla Girls don’t think so. These unapologetic, anonymous women have taken...

The Woman with the Ring and the Hole in her Pocket

The Woman with the Ring and the Hole in her Pocket

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 5, 2016

Waiting at a train station gave advanced film production student, Langan Jenkins more than a ride home. While waiting for her train, a paranoid woman caught Jenkins’ attention. Jenkins’ imagination...

Forensics team moves onto nationals

Forensics team moves onto nationals

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor April 5, 2016

The College of DuPage Forensics team dominated the Litrenta Triangle Tournament at Harper College last month. They walked away with over 20 awards, including overall gold for debate team sweeps and silver...

Courtesy of IMBD

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2: Put some Windex on it?

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 29, 2016

Windex fixes everything, right? 3 out of 5 stars When the news that the classic 2002 underdog film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding (MBFGW), was creating a sequel, I think I shed a few tears. Anybody who has...

Top 5 inspirational quotes to get you out of your post-break slump

Top 5 inspirational quotes to get you out of your post-break slump

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 29, 2016

Back to school and just feeling down? Crying your Florida tan is going to fade in this Illinois spring? Plagued by reminders of those mistakes made over break? Need some words of wisdom to brighten your...

COD moves couches, sleepers get creative

COD moves couches, sleepers get creative

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 29, 2016

  As of March 20, librarians have moved numerous couches from the third floor library. Walking through the third floor, it is easy to spot the normal college students in hibernation. Infamously...

Courtesy of "Bring Back Buffalo Theatre Ensemble to College of DuPage"

#BringbackBTE: what it is and how you can help

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 29, 2016

On April 7, the College of DuPage Board of Trustees will be vote on bringing back the Buffalo Theatre Ensemble (BTE).   BTE is reaching its 30 year anniversary, but its third year anniversary...

“Model Citizens” web series premiere

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 18, 2016

Alumn Tim Nolan Jr. and cast have premiered "Model Citizens," a web series formed through the support and resources from COD. The first episode is available to be watched above. To find out more about...

Simplifying your apartment search

Simplifying your apartment search

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 15, 2016

Whether or not you’re transferring to a different college in a few years or in need of a new living situation now, finding a place to live is stressful and confusing. That’s where uCribs comes in....

Proposed legislation to recognize globally-aware students

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 15, 2016

Teaching world culture and religion courses has helped Seth Brady, a social studies teacher at Naperville Central High School, to recognize how beneficial globally awareness is to his students. To promote...

Q&A with alumna Kristin Crowley

Q&A with alumna Kristin Crowley

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 15, 2016

As a part of the Motion Picture Television department’s celebration of their 10 year anniversary, they have brought alumni back who work in the mass communications industry to share their insight. Kristin...

Alumni prepare to premiere web series

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 9, 2016

Picture this: you and your best friend are living worry-free and independent in your own place. Everything is going great, and you two couldn’t be closer. Until the moment your man-baby friend runs away...

Feminist alliance celebrates International Women's Day all month long

Feminist alliance celebrates International Women’s Day all month long

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 9, 2016

Looking at the calendar, each day is in honor of something, sometimes borderline ridiculous. International pizza day, national eat a doughnut day, wear a tutu and dance in the middle of the street while...

Food pantry to be brought to campus

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 2, 2016

A 2014 study by Georgetown University states that by the year 2020, it is estimated that two-thirds of all jobs in the United States will require education beyond high school. It is simple: to succeed,...

COD conquers “Julius Caesar”

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor March 2, 2016

The word Shakespeare alone brings back memories of high school essays on “Romeo and Juliet,” questions on what a shrew is as you read “Taming of the Shrew” and knowing nothing about “Much Ado...

Hula hoops, rock n’ roll and Michael Jackson

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor February 24, 2016

College of DuPage is flooded with diversity. All sorts of ages, ethnicities, dreams and cultures fill the halls. Capturing the true diversity of COD is hard, but the first annual student talent competition,...

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”

Caroline Broderick, Features Editor February 24, 2016

Eric Garner was 43 when he was choked to death by police. Trayvon Martin was 17 when he was fatally shot by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer. Tamir Rice was 12 when he was shot by two police...

Load More Stories