PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
I hope you took a moment to notice the three remarkable women gracing the cover of this issue: Elizabeth Harrison, Edna Dean Baker and Linda Tafel. Many who recognize these individuals and are familiar with their contributions will agree that they have truly impacted the history of this institution, and we celebrate who we are today because of their impact. Others may be unfamiliar with this trio, or perhaps may only know one or two. The reason we are featuring these women together on the cover is their similarities in character, commitment and vision. The depth of their combined influence is boundless. As founder, Elizabeth Harrison set the stage for the significance this University has had on education. She created a college to train women to teach kindergarten primarily in immigrant communities. The seed that she planted in 1886 is flourishing in the programs, partnerships, initiatives and actions of the present. Her student, assistant, successor and close confidant, Edna Dean Baker, forged the school ahead during difficult political and economic times. She possessed the same pioneering spirit, and under her leadership of nearly 25 years, the school flourished into the National College of Education. Fortune once again fell on our shoulders when just a few decades later, National College of Education had another incredible teacher, visionary, leader and highly respected influencer in its midst. For 33 years, Linda Tafel, Ed.D., dedicated her life to NCE, the education of its students, the advocacy of higher education and the mission of her two role models, Miss Harrison and Miss Baker. I invite you to learn more about Linda in this issue’s, “Honoring an Icon” (pg. 10). “…to learn how to prepare yourselves to serve humanity in a better, wiser, nobler way...” was the challenge Miss Harrison put forth. As president, I have the privilege of witnessing the impact of these women at National Louis and the influence their commitment and actions have had on our students and alumni in creating their own legacies while serving others.
We welcome you to stay engaged between semi-annual issues of this magazine by visiting nl.edu/alumni .
Best regards to all,
Nivine Megahed, Ph.D., President
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National Louis University VIEW | Spring 2017
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