![UNT flag UNT flag](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/ntxn_cover_story_web_thumb.jpg)
Cover Story
Thriving Through Adversity
UNT students, staff, faculty and alums use their skillsets to help battle COVID-19 and the collateral damage it wreaks.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
![Jackie Davis and Krystal Hamilton Jackie Davis and Krystal Hamilton](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/push-banner.jpg?itok=iqx0S0aj)
Program Feature
Pushing Against the Odds
Since its inception in 2012, Persevere Until Success Happens has helped dozens of foster care alums.
Written by: Erin Cristales
![PUSH logo PUSH logo](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/push.png?itok=4Zw0PI3D)
ONLINE EXTRA
Q&A: PUSH Alumni
The three UNT alumni discuss how PUSH helped them -- and how they've paid it forward.
Written by: Erin Cristales
![Courtney Banatoski (’03, ’06 M.S.) Courtney Banatoski (’03, ’06 M.S.)](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/push_onlineextra2.jpg?itok=ihNuf5u3)
ONLINE EXTRA
Answering the Call and Finding a Calling
As CEO of Cumberland, Courtney Banatoski (’03, ’06 M.S.) helps children who need it most.
Written by: Erin Cristales
![Given Kachepa Given Kachepa](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20_0161_given-kechepa0029_banner.jpg?itok=xGxJO6Mp)
Alumni Spotlight
Keeping the Faith
Given Kachepa ('09) was a victim of labor trafficking, until he found a new future with a UNT alum.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Alumni Profile, #Department of Biological Sciences, #Features, #2020 Summer
![From left, Sandy Shepherd, Given Kachepa and Deetz Shepherd. From left, Sandy Shepherd, Given Kachepa and Deetz Shepherd.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/graduation_best_pic.jpg?itok=Ycdf89PO)
ONLINE EXTRA
Q&A: Given Kachepa and Sandy Shepherd
The two UNT alums discuss their commitment to making the world a better place.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Department of Biological Sciences, #Online Extras, #2020 Summer
![Micah Crittenden stands in front of the Burks Street house that used to be a one-room schoolhouse in Oakdale. Micah Crittenden stands in front of the Burks Street house that used to be a one-room schoolhouse in Oakdale.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/oakdale.jpg?itok=eueAOqLD)
ONLINE EXTRA
The Past as a Present
UNT history students, professors and alumni shine a light on disappeared local communities.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Research, #Features, #Department of History, #Online Extras, #2020 Summer
![Normal College Sanitarium Normal College Sanitarium](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/retrospective_sanitarium_thumb.jpg?itok=pMsUAYwv)
Retrospective
100 Years Ago, Spanish Flu Took Hold
In its 130-year history, UNT has faced its fair share of challenges -- including two pandemics.
![UNT President Neal Smatresk UNT President Neal Smatresk](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/neal_circle.png?itok=t1HA1nkP)
![UNT Softball UNT Softball](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/19_0714_untsoftballvsbutlercc_2640_banner.jpg?itok=3-jEseS7)
Mean Green
Unfinished Business
Men's basketball, softball experienced great runs until COVID-19 cut them short.
![Members of the Nelson family at a Mean Green tailgate Members of the Nelson family at a Mean Green tailgate](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/thumblf_0.jpg?itok=ie1mv1_0)
Legacy Family
Greener Beginnings
From education to business to music, members of the Nelson family have long pursued degrees at UNT.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Department of Counseling and Higher Education, #G. Brint Ryan College of Business, #College of Education, #College of Music, #Legacy Families, #2020 Summer
![Laura Schlegel on a TV set Laura Schlegel on a TV set](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/laura-schlegel-taping-for-the-ellentube-series-2.jpg?itok=hrTW4qnX)
Alumni spotlight
Wrap Star
Alumna Laura Schlegel's ('07) creative skills catch the eye of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Written by: Jessica DeLeon
#Business, #culture, #Television & Film, #TV, #Culture, #G. Brint Ryan College of Business, #2020 Summer
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/megan_motown.png?itok=oYxUQ3oa)
Alumni spotlight
Instant Art
UNT alumna Megan Motown's ('10) quirky pieces have made her the most viewed artist on GIPHY.
#2016, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #culture, #Visual Arts, #Culture, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #2020 Summer
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/usman_peguero_0.jpg?itok=44wgu0_F)
Traveling musician
Breaking Barriers
UNT alum and violinist Usman Peguero ('15 M.M.) performs in diverse orchestras in Europe.
#culture, #Music, #Music, #Culture, #College of Music, #2020 Summer
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/german_torres.jpg?itok=fs_OTGO5)
Innovative Filmmaker
Life on Film
UNT alumnus German Torres' ('15) captures everyday moments in his work.
#culture, #Media Arts, #Television & Film, #Culture, #Department of Media Arts, #2020 Summer
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/alyssa-disneyland.jpg?itok=sLNfS6sD)
Disney World View
Making Magic
UNT alum Alyssa Valencia ('13) lights up the happiest place on Earth.
#culture, #Dance and Theatre, #Department of Dance and Theatre, #Culture, #Dance & Theatre, #2020 Summer
![Jared Harrison Jared Harrison](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/jared1_thumb.jpg?itok=LKYCRbEv)
ONLINE EXTRA
Staying Steadfast
Jared Harrison ('11) has faced plenty of obstacles. Now he's helping others stay strong.
Written by: Brittney Dear
#Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, #Online Extras, #2020 Summer
![Sandra Leonard Sandra Leonard](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/sleonardunt_banner.jpg?itok=GbVin_Qa)
Creative endeavors
Wearable Art
Artist and UNT alumna Sandra Leonard ('88) creates visionary costumes for runway shows and museums.
#College of Visual Arts and Design, #culture, #Visual Arts and Design, #Culture, #Fashion, #College of Visual Arts and Design, #2020 Summer
![Landon Kirksey and a very cute cat Landon Kirksey and a very cute cat](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/nestoronline_kirksey3.jpg?itok=BeE8Smm2)
ONLINE EXTRA
Funny You Should Ask ...
UNT and Second City alum Landon Kirksey created and hosts Improvcast.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Online Extras, #Department of Radio, Television and Film, #2020 Summer
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/michael_ingle_headshot.jpg?itok=G_jigmR8)
ONLINE EXTRA
More Than a Job
Alum adapts his invention for sanitizing mattresses to clean N95 face masks.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón
#Alumni Profile, #College of Engineering, #Online Extras, #2020 Summer
![Shahaf Bareni Shahaf Bareni will attempt to qualify for Israel's Olympic high jump team.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/bareni.jpg?itok=kx7vf6wF)
ONLINE EXTRA
Staying on Track
Her Olympic dreams may be on hold, but Shahaf Bareni (’15, ’17 M.S.) keeps her eye on the prize.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, #Mean Green Athletics, #Online Extras, #2020 Summer
![Open sign Open sign](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/opensign.jpg?itok=GvJ16Lgb)
ONLINE EXTRA
Supporting Enterprising Eagles
In the market for food? Clothes? Beer? There are plenty of alumni-owned options to explore.
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/alexandria_beck.jpg?itok=d4YNx84c)
Alumni spotlight
Advocating for Cage-free Eggs
UNT alum Alexandria Beck's ('14) activism has gone from UNT's dining halls to major companies.
Written by: Brittney Dear
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/lessons-thumb1.jpg?itok=wVf3eAMz)
Expert Take
Lessons Learned
Faculty provide insight into some key industry takeaways amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Campus News, #College of Education, #College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism, #College of Health and Public Service, #2020 Summer
![Champagne bottle with glittery stars Trophy with glittery stars](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/istock-1015887056_thumb.jpg?itok=wfLYAsl-)
Awards & Honors
Students Rack Up Wins
A Mayborn advertising team earned top honors from the National Student Show and Conference.
#Campus News, #Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, #2020 Summer
![Kevin Yao and Christopher Zhou Kevin Yao and Christopher Zhou](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/goldwater.jpg?itok=9g57LSHJ)
Outstanding Students
Goldwater Scholars
Two TAMS students earn prestigious math, science and engineering scholarships.
#Campus News, #Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, #2020 Summer
![UNT Police Chief Ed Reynolds UNT Police Chief Ed Reynolds](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/reynoldsthumb.png?itok=a622kUV4)
Campus Departments
UNT Police Earns Reaccreditation
Once again, the police department has earned accreditation by the IACLEA.
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/18_0598_union_stock004-_eagle.jpg?itok=A-6h4Fef)
Forward Thinking
How Do You Support Arts from Afar?
Three UNT alumni who work in the arts describe how patrons can help during these challenging times.
#culture, #Television & Film, #Music, #Visual Arts, #Culture, #Dance & Theatre, #2020 Summer
![Jincheng Du Jincheng Du](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/innovation_bythenumbers_du.jpg?itok=AbV0pX2b)
Research
Engineering Professors Named Fellows
Three professors were recently named fellows in prestigious science and engineering societies.
#Science/Research, #Campus News, #College of Engineering, #2020 Summer
![Outside the UNT G. Brint Ryan College of Business Outside the UNT G. Brint Ryan College of Business](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/screen_shot_2020-06-24_at_1.33.30_pm.png?itok=ZUk_eulf)
Business
Virtual Incubator
Technology platform partnership will provide access to global entrepreneurship community.
#Campus News, #G. Brint Ryan College of Business, #2020 Summer
![Jennifer Washam Jennifer Washam](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/main_jennifer-washam_cutout.jpg?itok=SPxulPk-)
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/oliil-podcast_thumb_0.jpg?itok=oASRh3VA)
OLLI at UNT Podcast
Alumni Spotlight Series
Noteworthy UNT alumni share their unique life stories in this program.
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/paul_underwood.jpg?itok=_y2OKQyd)
Alumni spotlight
Blessings Abound from Fraternity
Raised in the Masonic Home and School of Texas, UNT alum Paul Underwood ('74) now gives back.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Business, #Social Impact, #G. Brint Ryan College of Business, #Alumni Profiles, #2020 Summer
![UNT campus UNT campus](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20_0156_campus-beauty0024.jpg?itok=2xT6odRv)
Academics
Programs Ranked Among Top 10 in U.S.
U.S. News & World Report names two CHPS programs in its 2021 Best Graduate Schools rankings.
#Campus News, #College of Health and Public Service, #2020 Summer
![Daniel Ojo Daniel Ojo](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/starstudent_2_thumb.jpg?itok=4catB6cT)
Star Student
Building a Better Tomorrow
Daniel Ojo has worked tirelessly to increase diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus.
Written by: Erin Cristales
#Campus News, #Department of Political Science, #2020 Summer
![Cybersecurity graphic Cybersecurity graphic](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/cyber-thumb2.jpg?itok=Jgh6GuNa)
Academics
New In-demand Degrees Added
UNT is helping to ease industry needs with new cutting-edge degrees.
#Campus News, #Department of Geography and the Environment, #College of Engineering, #2020 Summer
![Tae-Youl Choi Tae-Youl Choi](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20_0009_tae-youl-choi0042.jpg?itok=6nVx0DMu)
Research
A Better Way to Diagnose Cancer
Engineering professor develops new way to determine if a cell is cancerous.
Written by: Jim Rogers
#Science/Research, #Campus News, #College of Engineering, #2020 Summer
![Ecology alums work with native plants Ecology alums work with native plants](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/spotlight2.jpg?itok=mTwNepBb)
Innovation Spotlight
Restoring Native Species
Ecology alums start "wildscaping" business to help local environment thrive.
Written by: Erin Cristales
![Tiffani Price Tiffani Price](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/tiffani-price.jpg?itok=uG5VbRgy)
Perspective
Overcoming Adversity
Spring graduate overcomes a lifetime of adversity to earn college degree.
![Oliviero Andreussi Oliviero Andreussi](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/20_0047_oliviero_andreussi0007tiny_0.jpg?itok=9JRUcY_E)
Research
CAREER Awardees
Three UNT researchers in linguistics, physics and mathematics awarded NSF grants.
#Campus News, #Department of Linguistics and Technical Communications, #Department of Mathematics, #Department of Physics, #2020 Summer
![space exploration graphic space exploration graphic](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/space_thumb.jpg?itok=ftySkj5o)
Research
New Frontier for Spaceships
Engineering student, professor find better way to revitalize air aboard spaceships.
#Science/Research, #Campus News, #College of Engineering, #2020 Summer
![Valerie Martinez-Ebers Valerie Martinez-Ebers](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/16_487_martinez-ebers_valerie_08_0.jpg?itok=bj0eeTyb)
Outstanding Faculty
Political Science Professor Honored
Valerie Martinez-Ebers receives prestigious lifetime service award from WPSA.
#Campus News, #Department of Political Science, #2020 Summer
![molecule graphic molecule graphic](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/istock-1009379198.jpg?itok=DzWvQJk4)
Science
Methanol Research
Chemistry professor delves into transformation of methane into methanol.
#Science/Research, #Department of Chemistry, #Campus News, #2020 Summer
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/kaitlyn-martinez_cc_0.jpg?itok=Ag21yZpf)
Giving Impact
Helping Students Stay on Track
The UNT Cares fund assists students who face financial challenges during the coronavirus pandemic.
![UNT President Neal Smatresk UNT President Neal Smatresk](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/unt-alumni-live-giving-impact_banner.jpg?itok=NF55h-zb)
Alumni Association
From the Kitchen to a Winery
UNT Alumni Live! provide glimpse into graduates' lives and careers.
#UNT Alumni Association, #UNT Alumni Association, #2020 Summer
![Jackie Battles Jackie Battles](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/jackie.jpg?itok=hEPbDiRU)
Student Honors
Hard Work Pays Off
Financial planning graduate wins in major competition.
#Campus News, #G. Brint Ryan College of Business, #2020 Summer
![Mean Greens Café won for its Tomato Mushroom Curry recipe. Mean Greens Café won for its Tomato Mushroom Curry recipe.](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/unt-mean-greens-cafe-01.jpg?itok=DJq2XIXp)
![Kalani Gordon Kalani Gordon](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/pulitzer_thumb.jpg?itok=BJ3aAX28)
Outstanding Alumni
Alum Wins Pulitzer Prize
Mayborn alum and previous Pulitzer nominee Kalani Gordon ('12) won for breaking news reporting.
#Campus News, #Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, #2020 Summer
![Bees on flowers](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/bumblebee_research.jpg?itok=tX_9yxrN)
Sustainability
'Bee Campus' Once Again
UNT earned a renewal of its Bee Campus USA certification for 2020.
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/replanted_0.jpg?itok=0RVPdQ2B)
Faculty Books
Examining Society
UNT faculty members explore a range of topics, from support for families to divisions in culture.
![Kent Chapman Kent Chapman](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/19_0806_kent_chapman_1554_final.jpg?itok=Bu6lZQ70)
Research
Contributions Honored
Professor, alum honored by International Symposium on Plant Lipids.
#Department of Biological Sciences, #Science/Research, #Campus News, #2020 Summer
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/cliff_caster.jpg?itok=7v3VY7je)
Dialogue
Letter from the Editors
As COVID-19 hit, this issue's North Texan took unusual measures and extra meaning to make.
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/ntxn_masthead_social-media_rv_1_0.png?itok=vLSd7kJu)
Dialogue
Reaching #Goals
Mean Green mom loves seeing her daughter Dominique James ('19) on the field -- and in our pages.
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/ntxn_spring20_coverart.jpg?itok=bzOcuEA4)
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/fessor_graham.jpg?itok=V0JG0QwF)
Dialogue
Saturday Memories
Reader remembers how the Saturday Night Stage Show provided entertainment -- and a husband.
![](http://northtexan.unt.edu/sites/default/files/styles/image_ratio/public/selisse_berry_2.jpeg?itok=0eEN0jz9)
Alumni spotlight
Working for Justice
Selisse Berry's ('79) vision led to the founding of Out & Equal.
Written by: Jessica DeLeón