May 04, 2025
Local News | MidWeek News
Local News

NSLS chapter inducts new members at Kish College

The Kishwaukee College chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success welcomed 64 new members on April 29 as well as installed new officers and recognized students who achieved National Engaged Leader Awards. Pictured (from left) are the new officers for 2016-2017: Jenise Lorenzy, community service chair; Heather Villa, treasurer and SNT coordinator; Kelsey Russell, vice president; Tania Harris, secretary; Justice Wheeler, fundraising chair; Alicia Davis, president; and Robert Whitten, publicity chair and IT coordinator. (Photo provided)

The Kishwaukee College chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success held an induction ceremony on campus on April 29.

The mission of NSLS is to help students discover and achieve their goals. The society, founded by Gary Tuerack, emphasizes the six steps of leadership: clarification of purpose, creation of a shared vision, challenge of the status quo, inspiration of positive action, empowerment of others, and continuous improvement. The society was founded in 2001 and current has nearly 500,000 members at 478 colleges across the United States.

The NSLS chapter at Kishwaukee College was established in fall 2014. The chapter adviser is Allison Von Ende.

The inductees enjoyed a luncheon ceremony with a keynote address given by Charles Knippen, the NSLS national president.

New officers for the 2016-2017 academic year were installed. The new officer team is: Alicia Davis, Creston, president; Kelsey Russell, Rochelle, vice president; Tania Harris, Sycamore, secretary; Heather Villa, Davis Junction, treasurer and SNT coordinator; Robert Whitten, Genoa, publicity chair and IT coordinator; Justice Wheeler, LaMoille, fundraising chair; and Jenise Lorenzy, DeKalb, membership outreach.

In addition, members who qualified for National Engaged Leader Award were recognized. NELA members have attended additional speaker broadcasts, network team meetings and community service hours above and beyond the standard membership requirements. Receiving NELA recognitions were Robert Embry, DeKalb; Chelsea Erickson, Rochelle; Tania Harris, Sycamore; Hailey Holt, DeKalb; Michelle Markley, Rockford; Nilda Rodriguez, DeKalb; and Kelsey Russell, Rochelle.

At the induction ceremony at Kishwaukee College, 64 students joined NSLS. Local students joining the society in spring 2016 are:

Cortland: Jennyfer Ante, Kelsey Cooper, and Jessica Lazzaro;

Creston: Julie White;

DeKalb: Therese Alosio, Esli Avalos, Shelby Bloede, Jennifer Cornell, Janice Decker, Josh Giuliano, Kelsy Grubbs, Jessica Langston, Kelly LePere, Jenise Lorenzy, Cody Marbutt, Evanthia Matarangas, Michaela McMahon, Samantha Parker, Lori Perry, Andrew Rios, Bianka Rios, Eric Swineheart, Ashley Tennant, and Umeka Wright;

Genoa: Drew Anderson, Kira Bensinger, Alexis Ramis, Briana Vintika, and Robert Whitten;

Kirkland: Skyler O’Hern;

Lee: Scott Dabbs;

Malta: Cheyenne Asbury and Melissa Sue Carrier West;

Sycamore: Elizabeth Bles, Alexandria Denig, Brooke Frazier, Gus Graves, Elizabeth Jackson – Helton, Jeffrey Jilovec, Derek Massier, Jake Pisarski, and Kianna Thompson;

For information on the National Society of Leadership and Success, visit www.societyleadership.org. For information on the NSLS chapter at Kish College, contact Allison Von Ende at 815-825-9527 or allison.vonende@kishwaukeecollege.edu.