North Central College

10/19/2026

On Thursday, October 15, the North Central College Board of Trustees voted to change the institution’s name to North Central University Naperville, effective July 1, 2027.

“The decision to change the institution’s name to North Central University Naperville is not a decision to change who we are. Rather, it is a decision to fully express the institution we have become,” said North Central College President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá. “The change to North Central University Naperville reflects the wide range of opportunities that we offer to our students, including an extensive portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs and professional pathways.”

This name brings together three meaningful elements:
🔴 “North Central” is a name that honors more than a century of history and carries deep meaning for students, alumni and the broader community.
🔴 “University” reflects North Central’s current academic profile as a comprehensive higher education institution.
🔴 “Naperville” provides geographic clarity and market differentiation.

To read more about this exciting milestone for the institution, visit https://bit.ly/4Bgnu9M.

10/15/2026

On Saturday, October 10, members of the North Central College community gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Student Commons, a major campus addition planned for the southwest corner of Chicago Avenue and Brainard Street.

The Student Commons will be completed in two phases, beginning with a 30,000-square-foot dining center scheduled to open in November 2027 and accommodate up to 500 students.

The second phase will add a 30,000-square-foot student activity center featuring conference rooms, a new campus store, flexible seating areas, a kitchenette and a multipurpose room that can host up to 350 people for campus and community events.

Read more about the project in Naperville Community Television (NCTV17): https://www.nctv17.org/news/north-central-college-celebrates-groundbreaking-for-new-student-commons/.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, North Central College celebrated the groundbreaking of a new student commons at Chicago Ave. and Brainard St.

10/15/2026

Wishing our students a wonderful Fall Break. 🍂

Cardinals, we hope you can take this time to relax, recharge and enjoy a well-deserved break. We look forward to welcoming you back on Monday, refreshed and ready to finish the fall semester strong!

10/13/2026

We were delighted to welcome prospective students and their families to campus yesterday for a Campus Visit Day, where they enjoyed a trolley tour of the Naperville area, a ‘Beyond the Classroom’ presentation, a Student Life Fair and much more. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

If you were unable to attend, we invite you to join us for our next Campus Visit Day in one month, on Friday, November 13. To reserve your spot, visit https://bit.ly/4xnkgQ0.

10/12/2026

It’s safe to say Homecoming 2026 was a weekend to remember! ❤️

From the memories made to the (Cardinal) pride shared, the past few days were nothing short of extraordinary. Visit the album below to relive the magic of the weekend!

10/12/2026

Homecoming may be over, but the memories made will last a lifetime.

Thank you to everyone who traveled near and far to celebrate with us and make this year one to remember! ❤️

10/10/2026

One of our favorite weekends of the year. ❤️

10/10/2026

As part of this year’s Homecoming festivities, the North Central College community came together to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Student Commons.

Designed to bring together academic, athletic and residential life, the 60,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will feature a 30,000-square-foot dining center and a 30,000-square-foot student activities center. The Student Commons will serve as a dynamic hub for student dining, engagement and activity.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate this exciting milestone!

10/10/2026

Today, members of North Central College’s 50-Year Club gathered with fellow alumni for an evening of connection and celebration at the 50-Year Club Banquet and Class of 1976 Induction Ceremony.

It was a joy to welcome Cardinals back to campus!

10/09/2026

Homecoming 2026 is officially underway! 🎉

Last night in Stevenson Hall, North Central College celebrated eight alumni at the Outstanding Alumni Awards, honoring their incredible achievements, leadership, and lasting impact on their professions and communities.

We were proud to recognize our 2026 honorees:

Outstanding Alumni:
Nick Brunick ’96
Tracie Morris ’02
Deborah Sperberg S’59
Scott Wehrli ’91

Alumni Recognition:
Rima Ziuraitis ’12

Wall of Witness:
Ashley Prescott Barlow-Thompson ’06

Cardinal Pride Award:
Jan Roll ’75 Baumgartner & Ken Helberg ’82

Congratulations to all!