Northeastern Illinois University has awarded emeritus status to five retiring faculty members. They will be honored during Commencement on Dec. 17.
Northeastern awards the prestigious status to eligible retiring faculty members upon the recommendation of the department or program, with the concurrence of the dean and the provost, and with the approval of the University president.
“Emeritus status is an honor earned only after a career dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service at Northeastern,” Interim Provost Wamucii Njogu said. “We are proud to recognize these professors for their years of service to our students and our institution.”
The new professors emeriti are:
Lawrence Berlin
Professor Emeritus
Berlin joined the faculty of the English Language Program in 2000. During his 17 years of service, he taught a broad array of undergraduate and graduate courses and served as coordinator of the English Language Program and as chair of the Department of Anthropology, Philosophy, TESL/TEFL and the English Language Program. He later became the director of the Office of International Programs and of the School for the Advancement of English Language Learning. Berlin has a strong publication record of books, book chapters and journal articles, as well as numerous conference presentations. As a Fulbright Specialist, he taught at the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas in Bogotá, Colombia. He has been the recipient of a Northeastern Faculty Excellence Award in Service and has twice earned a Faculty Excellence Award in Research.
Louise Bohr
Professor Emerita
Bohr joined the faculty of the Department of Reading (currently known as the Department of Literacy, Leadership and Development) in 1994. During her 23 years of service, she taught many courses in reading and reading pedagogy. She has published numerous journal articles on adolescent and adult learning and presented her research at regional and national conferences. Among her research contracts and grants was a Northeastern Committee on Organized Research Grant. Additionally, Bohr developed assessment instruments for the University and for high schools and community colleges in the Chicago area. She served as associate editor for the Illinois Reading Journal and has been a member of associations such as the National Reading Conference, International Reading Associate and National Council for Teachers of English.
Charles Pistorio
Associate Professor Emeritus
Pistorio joined the faculty of the Department of Counselor Education in 1989. During his 28 years of service, he taught many courses across the curriculum and also served as chair of the Department of Counselor Education. He taught and supervised hundreds of students and professionals in his field and regularly received excellent evaluations from his students. He created many connections with the Chicago and suburban schools and community and assisted in developing many training sites for the School Counseling program’s students. Pistorio played an instrumental role in the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education’s accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Additionally, he was the Principal Investigator of a major Rehabilitation Services Administration grant.
Therese Schuepfer
Professor Emerita
Professor Schuepfer joined the faculty of the Department of Psychology in 1984. During her 33 years of service, she developed many new courses while exploring new pedagogies and new technologies to support and enhance student learning in the Psychology program. In addition to her faculty role at the University, Schuepfer also served in a number of administrative roles, including acting associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, acting associate provost and contract administrator, associate provost, and acting provost. Additionally, she served on the Arts and Sciences Academic Affairs Committee and the Faculty Council on Academic Affairs. She has published and presented research in the area of cognitive development.
David Yasutake
Professor Emeritus
Yasutake joined the faculty of the Department of Special Education in 1994. During his 23 years of service, he taught numerous courses and played an integral role in the design of the Master of Arts in Special Education program. Additionally, he served the department as Graduate Program coordinator and department chair. Yasutake has been the recipient of a Northeastern Faculty Excellence Award. He has developed a considerable body of research and publications, contributed to the development of high-profile psychometric instruments, and presented at numerous professional conferences. Yasutake also served prominent professional organizations, such as the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) – Teacher Education Division, State of Illinois Special Education Certification Working Team, and the Governor’s Task Force on Alternative Routes to Certification.
