Communications Quarterly
Subscribe or contact CQ, email us at: CQ@NL.EDU
Driven by the B.A. in Communication and Media
Communications Quarterly’s (CQ) inaugural issue launched Winter 2020, introducing readers to the rich diversity of voices across NLU’s Undergraduate College and beyond. Two words capture the essence of this publication: authentic and inclusive. CQ embraces all NLU students’ forms of expression, from informational pieces about university news, to coverage of community issues
Winter 2024
The theme of this issue is The Natural World and features student interviews with Erin Allen, host of WBEZ's "The Rundown" podcast; Kenneth Angielczyk, a paleontologist at the Museum of Natural History in Chicago; and Sunny Nelson, Vice President of Conservation Science at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The Natural World issue also includes stories about the secrets of the ocean, coffee & our climate, NLU's Think Green group, the terrible truth about litter, poetry celebrating Mother Earth, and more.
Fall 2023
The theme of this issue is Access and Opportunity and features student interviews with Tina Tchen, the former Chief of Staff for Michelle Obama and the current Chief Strategy and Impact Officer for the Obama Foundation; WBEZ’s Natalie Moore, who reports on class, race, and community; Ray Baker, the President of Special Olympics Chicago; and Kaeyra, an American Idol contestant. Articles include student stories about autism, NLU’s short filmmaking class, an opportunity found in El Salvador, a piece of science fiction, and more.
Summer 2023
The theme of this issue is International Relations and features student interviews with National Public Radio foreign correspondents Eleanor Beardsley (France/Ukraine) and Emmanuel Akinwotu (West Africa); two actors from the hit FX series The Bear; and a celebrated Irish comedian and Wait Wait Don't Tell Me panelist who also writes about borders and immigration. Articles include student stories about bilingualism, ethnic cuisine in Chicago, K-pop, anime art, missing one's homeland, India’s Holi Festival, NLU’s Centro de Excelencia, NLU's growing international student population, and its partnership with the Universidad de Valle de Mexico.
Spring 2023
The theme of this issue is Integrity. This issue features a student interview with Rick Perlstein (American historian and author of Nixonland) as well as interviews with the managing editor of The Onion, a Chicago-based talk show host, and an executive editor for a Chicago youth media organization. Articles include student stories about integrity in media and higher education, and topics include truth and lies, support for victims of domestic violence, caring for animals, fear, and dreaming.
Winter 2023
The theme of this issue is Perseverance and Empowerment. This issue features student interviews with Jim Abbott (a former Major League Baseball player who was born with one hand), Dawn Turner (Three Girls from Bronzeville author and former Chicago Tribune columnist), a podcast interview about queer empowerment, a tribute to NLU's Veteran community, a reflection on being Hispanic and facing stereotypes, a creative story about a girl who wanders and finds strength in her quest, and more.
Fall 2022
The theme of this issue of CQ is The Arts. In this issue, students interview prominent performing artists, who include Jackie Taylor of the Black Ensemble Theater; Sara Carranza of Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) in a tribute to the late Myrna Salazar, CLATA founder; Senior Artistic Director and veteran Blue Man, Randall Jaynes of the Blue Man Group; Gene Weygandt, a celebrated musical actor starring on Broadway; Chicago Lyric Opera singer Janai Brugger; and Artistic Director of Chicago's beloved Theo Ubique Cabaret, Fred Anzevino. Students contribute and write about anime, Chicago graffiti and murals, gaming as an art form, environmentally-friendly sculptures, glassblowing, culinary arts, and more!
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Spring 2022
The theme of this issue of CQ is career and industry. Student contributors write about a diversity of industries that they are passionate about--from architecture to zoology, from food service to filmmaking! This issue includes student-conducted interviews with Hollywood producer Derek Haas of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD; Advertising expert Terry O'Reilly of CBC's Under the Influence radio show; WBEZ reporter Araceli Gomez-Aldana; and real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin of Crain's Chicago Business. This issue also shares career and internship success stories, featuring NLU students describing their professional experiences working with NLU employer partner organizations.
Winter 2022
The theme of this issue of CQ is humor and hope. During difficult days, amid all the struggles, this issue shines a light on the beauty of our much-needed smiles and optimism. Students and graduates write about everything from the health benefits of laughter, support of gender identities, a Dreamer’s powerful hope, as well as sketches, silly pet photos, and blossoms of hope found in love and nature. This issue also features student-conducted interviews with Janice Jackson, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools; Will Miles, actor and senior scriptwriter for the Comedy Central/HBO Max series South Side; David Litt, former Obama speechwriter and New York Times bestselling author; Joe Martin, nationally syndicated cartoonist, and Paula Poundstone, comedian legend.
Fall 2021
The theme of this issue of CQ is mental health. In this issue, students express their personal feelings about mental health as well as share their advice with fellow students and readers. Highlights: An interview with a Peabody Award-winning Author, a conversation with a WBEZ Government and Health Reporter, a fireside chat between an aspiring student journalist and a National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) CEO, as well as podcasts, poetry, and nature photos.
Spring 2021
The theme of this issue of CQ is storytelling. Students tell their stories and other people's stories across genres and mediums. In this issue students cross many bridges of narrative--from creative writing to community news broadcasts. Highlights: An interview with an NPR narrative journalist, a conversation with a WXRT Chicago DJ, a magical piece of fiction, a mock tabloid, and both playful and melodious reflections in podcast and video form.
Winter 2021
The theme of this issue of CQ is media. In a collection of eclectic written pieces--from interviews with media celebs to screenplay excerpts and biographies--this issue both embraces and reflects critically upon digital media's prevalence in our lives. Highlights: This is the first CQ issue to feature embedded media! Listen to podcasts, student's spoken word, narrated poetry, and view embedded YouTube videos directly in the publication!
Fall 2020
The theme of this issue of CQ is love. Students write about their love of everything from a humble Chicago neighborhood diner to the love of wrestling! From the love of art history to the love of baking and pastry! This issue's overarching theme of love ultimately celebrates love of life, family, and friends. Highlights: Thought-provoking interviews with public figures in Chicago media. Articles. Interviews. Poetry. Fiction. And a special Communications Quarterly Yearbook Edition of students' beloved pets!
Summer 2020
In this issue of CQ, students reflect upon social justice and racial equality. Highlights: Thought-provoking interviews with public figures in Chicago media, criminal justice, and community affairs. Reflections on Black Lives Matter, gentrification, and racial stereotypes. Commentary on implicit bias, human trafficking, and hate speech in social media.
Spring 2020
The theme of this issue of CQ is student life during COVID-19. Highlights: Articles on the psychology of anxiety along with coping methods. A Dreamer’s reflection on America. Contemplation of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Digital communications during COVID-19. Student spotlights: dancer, filmmaker, social worker.
Winter 2020
CQ’s inaugural issue presents the department behind the publication: The B.A. in Communications (COM) program at National Louis University. Highlights: Features on COM program offerings and student experiences. Introduction to NLU’s new Marketing minor. Interviews with Communications and Marketing instructors. Creative essays.
