2019

Improv is Life

They say that laughter is the best medicine, but is this really true? Elizabeth “E.B.” Byland thinks so—and she’s sharing her own love of humor with people she believes could use an extra chuckle or two.

Umi Visits the HIC

When Umi passed away at the tragic age of around 5 years old, his parents couldn't have known that the young Egyptian would, some 2,000 years later, make news in a Kentucky university.

The Real McCoy

Actress and musician Annalyse McCoy can say she’s been a lot of things in her time on earth, from rooftop landscaper in New York City to international performer.

NKU Magazine Fall-Winter 2018-19

The Fall/Winter issue of NKU Magazine takes a look at Northern Kentucky University’s campus-wide, cross-disciplinary approach to addressing opioid addiction in Kentucky—and with the third-highest overdose rate in the nation, the Commonwealth needs all hands on deck. From the newly established Institute for Health Innovation to classroom initiatives to university-run health-care centers, NKU is all in in the fight for Kentucky’s future.

Circles of Light

Michael Wilson (’82) is gazing back in time, and he seems amused over what he sees. We’re seated in Wilson’s Cincinnati home, a compact Cape Cod in the city’s Price Hill neighborhood, and he’s sipping a homemade latte—a midday ritual he observes despite the summer heat—with a look of puzzlement on his face.

Rally at the Capitol

On Tuesday, Feb. 12, 35 NKU students rode a southbound bus to the state capitol building in Frankfort, Kentucky, to rally for higher education. The activity, which was organized by SGA, saw students publicly advocating fair funding for the state’s public universities in general and NKU specifically. The students met with 14 legislators as they lobbied on behalf of the university and its contribution to the state’s prosperity and well-being.

Art in the Age of Social Media

Any time one of us responds to a social media post, the action creates a potential dopamine release in the brain of the poster, a short-term feedback loop not dissimilar to the pleasure felt when biting into a piece of cheesecake or completing a brisk run.

Mystery Photo...Solved!

On the back cover of the print version of NKU Magazine, we always include a photo from the Schlachter University Archives that has us puzzling over what's going on.

Lost Henry

Let’s hit “REWIND” for a second. The sound: sustained guitar chords, nasally vocals, an occasional scream ripping through everything.

Seizing the Dream

When Bethany Baxter started her journey at Northern Kentucky University in 1999, she was undecided on what her future would hold.

Celebrating Our May 2019 Graduates

For most of you, this is your first time graduating from Northern Kentucky University. We gathered a few tips to help you get through the day.

BriAuna Keys

When BriAuna Keys isn’t clocking her speed on the track, she’s embracing her passion for leadership across campus.

Deron Bartleson

Despite his many obstacles, Deron Bartleson has changed NKU since first stepping foot on campus.

Isaac Dailey

Isaac Dailey is the son of a teacher and a welder, and his parents taught him he could be whatever he wanted to be—from president of the United States to a funeral director.

Reid Wassmer

For all of his life, Reid has been involved with music—at school, at home and in the community.

Erik Crew

Erik Crew received his B.A. in African-American Studies, with distinction, from Yale University.

Travis Roy

Travis Roy’s road to NKU is not like the average student’s.

Devon Moffett

Throughout his time at NKU, Devon Moffett chased an intellectual interest in political theories and economic behaviors.

New Alumni Spotlight: Kimmy Rockwell

"I believe the best thing about NKU is how it feels like a small school in a big world. Anytime you walk through campus, you will see at least five people you know, all wanting to give you a hug or have a quick chat."

Mr. Independence

Warren Richardson has been many things in his lifetime—machine operator, super stock car owner and driver, musician, farmer and businessman. But, to most people, he’s just Mr. Independence.

Changing the Culture

Brady Jolly brings innovation to the service industry.

This Host Does the Most

Ebony J takes it to the airwaves and just about everywhere else.

The Luckiest Man in the World

Dr. Jerry Lorenz found his niche in the Everglades.

Alumni Spotlight: Ray Kallmeyer ('11)

“NKU gave me the opportunity to learn hands on.” Ray Kallmeyer is a 2011 NKU grad with a degree in Electronic Media and Broadcasting.

Alumni Spotlight: Leann Kane ('16)

“I couldn't imagine doing anything else.” Leann Kane graduated from NKU in 2016 with a Master of Social Work. Leann is now a licensed social worker with the Department of Public Advocacy (Public Defenders) doing alternative sentencing work

Student Spotlight: Arah Samuels

"I love this university. When I selected a college, NKU was the only one that I applied to and found everything I was asking for. This college has given me the opportunity to represent myself and others in so many ways. I am a role model to young, black women and wear that badge with honor and pride."

Beyond Belief

Two friends created and host an out-of-this world podcast for Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Alumni Spotlight: Daniel Ginn ('16)

“NKU can and will change your life if you allow it to.” Daniel Ginn graduated from NKU in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership. He graduated with a Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University, and now works as a COI Advisor at NKU.

Student Spotlight: Trey Burns

"The best thing about NKU is the university’s commitment to their students. I always feel my university put the needs of the student before anything else."

Student Spotlight: Sierra Newton

"My favorite NKU memory is being the 2018 Homecoming Princess. Being nominated by my peers meant so much to me, and being able to represent the Norse is a memory I will treasure forever."

Evolve Your Passion

Young Koepke enjoys the fine art of market research.

A Numbers Game

Data science major Christian Hook is a one-man baseball analytics program.

Brewing Up Success

For Paul Kemp, good beer is serious business.

Student Spotlight: Claire Poling

"I chose NKU for the class sizes and the wide variety of majors to choose from. Many of my classes are large enough to have a true college feel but small enough that my professors know my name."

Student Spotlight: Chinedu Asinugo

"I chose NKU because out of the 30 universities I applied to, the university offered me the best scholarship to attend. I came to NKU for the money, but the people kept me here. The NKU community is such a welcoming family. "

Student Spotlight: Rachel Franzen

"I love the size of our university. It allows for the close-knit atmosphere that we have on campus both student-to-student and student-to-faculty."

Dear Dave

Dave Waite uses an NKU geography degree in his stand-up comedy career. How, you ask? Check out his "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" set to see for yourself. Oh, and while you're online, please visit Waite's Instagram account—he's trying to get more views.

NKU Magazine Spring-Summer 2019

This issue of NKU Magazine features a cover story on foodie entrepreneurs in the Greater Cincinnati area, an interview with author and professor Jessica Hindman and a look at NKU's very special day with the Cincinnati Museum Center's mummy, Umi. Plus, we talk with Harlen Wheatley of Buffalo Trace, radio personality Ebony J, singer/songwriter Annalyse McCoy and Jolly Plumbling's Brady Jolly.

Greater Cincinnati has become a Midwest mecca for dining experiences, thanks in part to these alumni foodie entrepreneurs.

Taste the Memory

One local doughnut shop recreates the historic neighborhood experience.

Go Big or Go Home

Covington restaurant The Gruff was founded on family, intuition and a leap of faith.

Little Bakery, Big Heart

One Maysville bakery pairs delectable confections with a mission to serve.

Second Act

Lucius Q brings 'Midwest barbeque' to downtown Cincinnati's Pendleton neighborhood.

Regional Cheese

A Cincinnati cheese shop puts the focus on local, domestic makers.

Milli Violini

Everything in this professor's story is true, except the fake part.

Gone Greece

Our guest contributor shares a day in the life of a study abroad student.

Kentucky Straight

For master distiller Harlen Wheatley, great bourbon starts with good chemistry.

Want a Piece of Me?

One needed a kidney, the other needed her friend. So these two friends and NKU coworkers shared an experience that connects them forever.

Casting Light

For Emmy Award-winner Anna Becker, the story is its own reward.

Alumni Spotlight: Bob Chapman ('96)

“NKU was a very logical choice for me.”

Student Spotlight: Viviane Johnson

"I love the size of our university. It allows for the close-knit atmosphere that we have on campus both student-to-student and student-to-faculty."

The Write Stuff

Judi Ketteler has written for just about everyone. Her new book, "Would I Lie to You? The Amazing Power of Being Honest in a World That Lies," is for herself.

A Walking Innovation

One student grew a sneaker interest into a profitable, award-winning business.

Protectors of the Taft

Three NKU students keep history alive as Cincinnati-area park rangers at the William Howard Taft Historical Site.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

For Rosie Polter, historic preservation is about more than just buildings—it's also about preserving the cultures unique to individual neighborhoods in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Not Clowning Around

12/13/2019 | For one NKU student, college life really is a three-ring circus.

NKU's Declassified Grad Survival Guide

It’s almost time to take that final walk across the stage to get your diploma. Here are a few tips to help you get through the day.

Celebrating Our December 2019 Graduates

More than 1,100 graduates will receive a diploma this weekend!