Roosevelt University professor John Fountain and his journalism students reported on the lives of 51 women, mostly Black women, whose murders had gone uncovered by crime reporters and unsolved by Chicago police. The Murder Accountability Project, a nonprofit research organization, used algorithms to flag 51 strangulation murders between 2001 and 2018 as the work of a possible serial killer. The 15 young journalists interviewed the friends and family of the women, many of whom had never been contacted by detectives. John Fountain is a former chief crime reporter for the Chicago Tribune and a former correspondent for the New York Times. “We took to the streets and to the computer using traditional journalistic reporting techniques to find out who these women were, to simply humanize them, to try and put a face to each tragic story,” said Fountain. The young journalism students sought to tell the full stories of the victims whose bodies were discarded, in many cases, in trash cans in alleys on the West and South Sides. Through digital media, the project also documented the voices and faces of those working for organizations like The Dreamcatcher Foundation in Chicago that seek to end human trafficking. In podcast episodes, the student journalists included their own stories on their reportorial foray into covering this story, its impact on them and the unique difficulties it presented in the middle of a global pandemic. “My hope is that what we present here makes some small difference, perhaps inspires or compels the solving of these cases, maybe brings some measure of solace for their loved ones deeply wounded over the deaths of their sisters, mothers, aunts, daughters, and the way in which their lives were stolen, their bodies and their memories desecrated,” Fountain said. The project was featured in a cover story by WGN News, as well as stories in the Columbia Journalism Review and People magazine. Read the students’ reporting at unforgotten51.com. Journalism and Media Studies ​The bachelor's in journalism and media studies degree is a mix of hands-on professional courses and theoretical courses. Students in the journalism concentration will complete course work in online, broadcast and print journalism and are thus prepared for work in today's multimedia news environment. Students in the media studies concentration gain the objective knowledge, tools and skills to analyze, evaluate and create messages using all forms of media technologies to prepare for graduate study as well as for work in the media industries and careers involving mediated communications. Learn more.

Roosevelt University trustee Larissa Herczeg says that growing up, her first and biggest advocate was always her mother, Joan Deutsch. Deutsch encouraged her to do whatever she set her mind to and if she wanted something, to ask for it. But in many places where Herczeg has worked, she says, there were few women in leadership roles who could be mentors to her or her female colleagues. While women have made impressive professional gains in recent years, they remain underrepresented in the upper levels of government and business. During the pandemic, women — especially women of color — now disproportionately bear the burden of job losses and unpaid childcare. With a scholarship named in honor of her mother and all mothers raising strong, successful women, Herczeg hopes to create new opportunities for future women leaders. The Joan Deutsch Herczeg Women Leaders Scholarship will connect ambitious women students with paid summer internships that match their career goals. The first five scholars will grow as leaders through workshops and mentorship with the Women’s Leadership Council, returning to support the next cohort. “It’s important that women have an opportunity to step up and become leaders in their own right,” said Herczeg. “I hope the program becomes an ongoing, influential aspect of the lives of everyone who graduates from it, and that it will motivate other similar programs, as well.” The Herczeg Scholars program will also build on the commitment of the Women’s Leadership Council and Roosevelt University to equity in higher education. Herczeg is a founding co-chair of the Council, which aims to close the gender opportunity gap. The group of 150 Roosevelt alumni and friends hosts regular events that encourage personal and professional connections, growth and giving back. “Leadership doesn't need to mean being vice president of the country,” Herczeg said. “There are many ways that you can be a leader. Hopefully, it will be a beneficial program for everyone, regardless of what their overall career aspirations are.” In her nine years at Oak Street Real Estate Capital, Herczeg has grown the firm’s seeding and strategic capital business from $50 million to more than $750 million, including an additional $100+ million allocated to minority- or women-owned managers. Herczeg also mentors emerging real estate managers as the co-founder of Women in Real Estate and a mentor for the Goldie Initiative. “An important component of mentorship is that you benefit from your mentors, and then, because of your experiences, you have a lot to share with those that follow after you,” said Herczeg. “I think that continued participation in the program will be positive for everyone.” About the Women’s Leadership Council The Women’s Leadership Council was established in 2019 and is an association of women and men who know and support Roosevelt University. The Council works collaboratively with other affinity groups within Roosevelt as well as the community to identify the critical issues women face. The group develops programming, provides mentorship and gives back to initiatives that facilitate real solutions to close the gender gap.

Two programs in the Roosevelt University College of Science, Health and Pharmacy recently earned top 25 national rankings in their respective fields. Bachelors Degree Center recognized the Roosevelt bachelor’s in biology as No. 19 of the “25 Best Bachelor’s in Biology in 2021.” At Roosevelt, biology students have worked on research projects with Roosevelt faculty and present at regional and national conferences. Students can choose the Bachelor of Science track for a strong lab science foundation, or a Bachelor of Arts track for a broader perspective on biology and society. Best Health Degrees also ranked the Roosevelt bachelor’s in radiation therapy technology No. 21 of the top 25 radiation science degrees in the United States.  In the Roosevelt radiation therapy program, students learn how to safely operate machines used to treat cancer and care compassionately with patients. During their final year of course work, students get hands-on clinical experience at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Roosevelt graduates have a 100% pass rate on radiation therapy board exams over the last five years. The two resources ranked programs based on factors that indicate career value, including tuition cost, salary potential, reputation and accreditation. Learn more about Roosevelt’s rankings at Best Health Degrees and Bachelors Degree Center. About the College of Science, Health and Pharmacy The new College of Science, Health and Pharmacy brings together established Roosevelt programs in a central hub of student support services. Choose from 16 programs where you’ll sharpen your research skills and get real-world clinical experience. In March 2020, Roosevelt integrated with Robert Morris University Illinois to add new programs in nursing, exercise, health and wellness.

Dr. Melissa Hogan, dean of the Roosevelt University College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, hosts this four-part series on the ins and outs of COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 Vaccine Explained sessions will explore how vaccines are made, the myths surrounding the vaccines and what it’s like on the front lines treating COVID-19. Hear from experts in immunology and biomedical science, pharmacy and infectious disease. Each livestreamed session includes an audience Q&A. Register for the free events here. Vaccines: From Trials to Vials Wednesday, Feb. 10 | 12 p.m. CST Robert Seiser, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology and Chemistry, Roosevelt University COVID-19 Vaccine Myth Busters Wednesday, Feb. 17 | 12 p.m. CST Bedrija Nikocevic, PharmD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences, Roosevelt University and Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist at Holy Cross Hospital COVID-19 and Communities of Color Wednesday, Feb. 24 | 12 p.m. CST Tamara Marshall, MD, Medical Science Liaison and Educator Perspectives from a Pandemic Pharmacist Wednesday, March 3 | 12 p.m. CST Jason Alegro, PharmD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences, Roosevelt University and Infectious Disease Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital Free and open to the public. About Roosevelt University Roosevelt University is a private institution founded in 1945 on the principles of inclusion and social justice. Roosevelt offers associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs online and at four campus locations in the Chicago area. In March 2020, the Higher Learning Commission approved the integration of Roosevelt University and Robert Morris University Illinois. Through the Building a Stronger University strategic plan, the new Roosevelt will be nationally recognized as a catalyst for students from all walks of life to receive transformational learning experiences. Students who attend the expanded University will become socially conscious citizens who thrive in a diverse and changing world.

Pianist Andrew Cannestra will elevate his concert career as the recipient of the prestigious Aeolian Classics Emerging Artist Award. The competition gives one Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) student the opportunity to record a professional debut album on the major international label. Cannestra is a current Master of Music degree candidate at the CCPA, studying under the tutelage of Adam Neiman, assistant professor of piano and head of the String Chamber Music program.  Already an accomplished pianist, composer and improviser, Cannestra’s performance was unanimously lauded by the jury for its probing artistic vision in a program that included the Dutilleux Piano Sonata and the Beethoven Sonata in C minor, Op. 111.  “Playing for a completely empty hall for the competition was certainly a challenge in this way, and it's a feeling I'm sure almost everyone at CCPA has experienced,” he said. “For me, music making has always been communicating and emotionally connecting with an audience, with the hope that by sharing that which I most love, I'm somehow making my listeners' quality of life just a bit better.” The emerging artist award helps one talented young artist each year offset the production and marketing costs of creating their first album. In addition to the production of a solo debut CD album with international distribution on Aeolian Classics, the award presents the winner in a series of concerts throughout Chicago (Ganz Hall, Guarneri Hall, Henry Fogel Presents and Grace Episcopal Church) and provides professional mentoring services. Cannestra joins a distinguished roster of past award winners who have gone on to successful performance careers – for more information, go to www.aeolianclassics.com.  The fifth edition of the competition featured five finalists in a series of full recitals livestreamed from Ganz Hall on January 30, 2021. Listen to the livestream on YouTube here. In addition to Mr. Cannestra, the finalists of the 2021 Aeolian Classics Emerging Artist Competition were:Subin Oh, flute Student of Eugenia Moliner Hugo Saavedra, trombone Student of Jay Friedman and Reed Capshaw Jia Meng, piano Student of Winston Choi Héctor Melicoff Rosso, piano Student of Jorge Federico Osorio Members of the jury included:David Commanday Music Director of the Heartland Festival Orchestra Rudy Marcozzi CCPA Dean Adam Neiman CEO of Aeolian Classics, LLC MingHuan Xu CCPA Head of Strings Michael Holmes CCPA Head of Winds Charles Schuchat CCPA Head of Brass Igor Fedotov CCPA Viola Faculty Jorge Federico Osorio CCPA Piano Faculty Julian Hersh CCPA Chamber Music Faculty

In January, Governor JB Pritzker suspended Illinois evictions another month, giving renters a reprieve during the pandemic. When the moratorium runs out, three-time Roosevelt University graduate Chinanita Leslie and her coworkers predict a landslide of eviction cases. After earning her master’s in conflict and mediation this December, Leslie is ready to step in. She and seven experts are building a new early resolution program from the ground up at the Chicago Center for Conflict Resolution. Leslie spoke with Roosevelt about her new role, her social justice work and her time as a Laker. Learn more about the Roosevelt master’s degree in conflict and mediation. On mediation and eviction cases Once the moratorium on evictions expires, we expect the court system to be flooded with eviction cases. The goal of the program is to help offset overwhelming the courts, but also to connect landlords and tenants to mediation services. The program will afford tenants and landlords the opportunity to receive free legal advice or connect to Chicago-based rental assistance programs. My role also allows me to mediate various case types, from Stalking No Contact Orders to fee disputes. We work to create a safe space for the parties to discuss their conflict, but we also hope to empower them during the session. I have seen firsthand the rapport that can be built between a mediator and parties when the disputants feel heard and acknowledged. Mediation affords everyone access to justice when going to court is not the best option. I believe wholeheartedly that everyone has the innate ability to resolve their own conflicts; they just need a process that allows them to have a productive conversation. Her favorite Roosevelt memories Working as a mentor for the Multicultural Student Support Services program. I helped mentor incoming freshmen over the summer and assisted them with making the tough transition from high school to college. I know how difficult it was personally to overcome my own dubiousness in my academic abilities. I wasn’t always sure that I belonged in the collegiate-level space. However, my thirst for knowledge coupled with my Mom’s unyielding support, I learned early on that Roosevelt is exactly where I belonged.  I was a first-generation college student, so being able to help others navigate the unfamiliarity of college life was very gratifying for me. her African American Studies minor Taking African American Studies courses helped me gain a deeper appreciation for my community. I harnessed the knowledge I gained from those courses to shape my own Black femininity. I learned from passionate professors about all the complexities and angularities of Blackness that were unbeknownst to me before. I am thankful for that knowledge because I was empowered to define my own Black identity and withstand society’s undue judgment. I make it a point to be seen and take up room even if it makes others uncomfortable. I liberated myself through education, and I continue to remain free through my perpetual pursuit of knowledge. Her history of social justice work Most recently, I worked as a family support specialist for Chicago Survivors. I provided victim services to surviving families of homicide victims. I worked diligently with over 50+ families to address both their practical and emotional needs after losing a loved one. I tried my hardest over six months to provide families with grief counseling, connect children impacted by the loss to youth support, and in the most severe cases, relocate families that are in imminent danger because they chose to cooperate with the police. Chicago has been plagued by violence for quite some time, but we rarely get to see the toll it takes on families directly affected by gun violence. I have witnessed the devastation a mother has gone through because she lost both of her sons within three months of each other to gun violence. I have witnessed the devastation, but I have seen the healing too. I saw families use their terrible experience as motivation to organize walks for peace in their own communities. I was extremely moved by their resilience and willingness to help break the vicious cycles of violence in their communities. The MA in Conflict and Mediation Roosevelt offers the only master’s degree in Chicago that includes the Chicago Center for Conflict Resolution Certification and practicums with real mediation clients. Graduates can work as professional mediators or in positions that require conflict resolution skills. Learn more.

On January 21, staunch Trump critic Bill Kristol shared his perspective on the current state of the American republic. His lecture at the first virtual Montesquieu Forum — one day after Joe Biden’s inauguration — explored the future for centrists in the next phase of American politics. In his thought-provoking conversation with Stuart Warner, Roosevelt University professor of philosophy, Kristol reflected on Trump’s norm-defying presidency, polarization and the spread of conspiracy theories. He and Warner talked about the future of both political parties as the Democrats take control of Congress and the presidency. “Conservatives have probably done enough lamenting about how good things were in the past,” Kristol said. “Now it’s time to think about the practical challenges and begin to come to grips with them.” Kristol was the long-time editor of The Weekly Standard and the founder of Defending Democracy Together. In the first year of Trump’s presidency, he and David Axelrod at Roosevelt’s American Dream Reconsidered Conference. Held for the first time over livestream, the forum attracted Roosevelt students and faculty as well as political thinkers from across the United States. Kristol fielded questions about Trump’s impact on foreign policy and the future of the party system. “It’s an interesting time for young people in particular to be getting into politics,” Kristol said. “This is a time of real uncertainty where people can make a difference and break away from signing up for one team or another.” The Montesquieu Forum is part of the American Dream Reconsidered lecture series. Watch the full conversation on YouTube. About the Montesquieu Forum The Montesquieu Forum, founded in 2008 with a grant from the Jack Miller Center, advances the study of the classical and European heritage that informed the American Founding. The Forum supports course work on political philosophy, covering texts from the Bible and such ancient writers as Plato, Cicero and Plutarch to the early modern writers like Francis Bacon, William Shakespeare, John Locke and Baron de Montesquieu. Learn more. About the BA in Philosophy Through deep and precise reading in philosophical texts, students not only interrogate essential human questions, they learn thinking, writing and speaking skills that they may use in service of social justice. Philosophy students often go on to careers in law, education, medicine, business, science, mathematics, ministry, social work and many other areas. Learn more.

Chicago, January 5, 2021 – Dr. Norbert Cordeiro from Roosevelt University was awarded a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship to collaborate with plant ecologist Dr. Henry Ndangalasi at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  The two scholars will write a book in English and Swahili that identifies Afromontane seedlings and trees as a resource for tropical forest restoration. They will also mentor a graduate student towards completion of a MSc thesis in botany at the host institution, in a study that will be related to the tropical forest restoration. African forests experience some of the fastest deforestation rates in the world. The forests in Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya — one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems — are in particular danger. Over 50% of the original forest cover has been lost. While conservation efforts in the Eastern Arc forests are ongoing, knowledge about native species is scattered, incomplete and unavailable to those involved in protection and restoration efforts. The book will be an essential tool for not just university students and scientists, but also foresters, villagers and resource managers. Photo: Dr. Henry Ndangalasi (right) with University of Dar es Salaam student Immaculate Kileo in the field. Cordeiro teaches in the Roosevelt biology program and is a research associate at the Field Museum. Every two years, he and his conservation biology students travel to Tanzania for a field-based course. Cordeiro and Ndangalasi have conducted research in the Eastern Arc Mountains since 1990, but this fellowship allows a real possibility to build sustainability between institutions. The Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program is designed to reverse Africa’s brain drain, strengthen capacity at the host institutions, and develop long-term, mutually beneficial collaborations between universities in Africa and the United States and Canada. A total of 527 scholars have received African Diaspora Fellowships since the program’s inception. Fellowships match host universities with African-born scholars and cover the expenses for project visits of between 14 and 90 days, including transportation, a daily stipend and the cost of obtaining visas and health insurance. Media Contacts: Roosevelt University: Nicole Barron, Vice President of University Advancement, nbarron03@roosevelt.edu Institute of International Education (IIE): AfricanDiaspora@iie.org

Roosevelt University pharmacy students were among the first to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago as health care workers at Mount Sinai Hospital received their first doses. Before pharmacists can administer vaccinations, they have to undergo an intensive 20-hour training on injection technique and safety procedures. Students earn their immunization certificate during their first term in the Roosevelt University pharmacy program. Third-year pharmacy student Bellal Alzalam administered one of the first vaccines at the hospital to Dr. Joseph Rosman, division chief of pulmonary and critical care. Photo: Pharmacy student Michael Montelongo administers the COVID-19 vaccine to Dr. Jason Alegro. The students are now playing a vital role during the pandemic during their rotations at the major Chicago hospital. Located on Chicago’s Southwest Side, Mount Sinai Hospital is a level-one trauma center that provides care to a primarily urban, medically underserved population. “As pharmacy faculty, we impact patients by educating our students to practice at the top of their license, and seeing them do that throughout this pandemic has made me so proud of them,” said Dr. Bedrija Nikocevic, who teaches in the Roosevelt pharmacy program. Nikocevic also administered doses from the first shipment of the vaccine at her Mount Sinai clinic. She added, “As I watched our students administer COVID-19 vaccines over the past few days, I saw competent, committed, and compassionate health care professionals whom I will be honored to call my colleagues in a few short months.”