Meet the Staff
Esther Kraft
Director for Student Involvement and Multicultural Initiatives
Email: Ekraft@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5072
Location: Brother James Gaffney Student Center, 104 D
Esther Cano-Kraft is a higher education leader who understands that it 鈥渢akes a village鈥� to truly achieve student success. With over twenty years of experience in public and private education, Esther鈥檚 key areas of expertise include student leadership development, multicultural programming, and the co-curricular student life experience. She says she enjoys working with young adults because she is always learning something new and, because it makes her feel younger!
Prior to joining 海角社区, Esther was the first-year experience director at Chicago State University. She earned her undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Illinois and her Master鈥檚 in Higher Education from the University of Toledo. Outside of work, Esther loves to spend time with her family and express her passion for animal rescue by volunteering as a foster parent for her local animal shelter.
Javier Rodriguez
Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Multicultural Initiatives
Email: jrodriguez27@lewisu.edu
Phone: (815) 836-5843
Location: Brother James Gaffney Student Center, 104 D
Javier Rodriguez is the Assistant Director for Student & Multicultural Engagement. He obtained a B.A. in Communications from Northern Illinois University where he was involved in a number of student clubs and organizations. Javier also worked as a Graduate Assistant within the Office for Student Involvement & Leadership Development (SILD), while receiving his M.S. Ed in Adult & Higher Education at NIU. Prior to joining 海角社区, Javier worked in Student Life at Malcom X College and Northern Illinois University. In addition to this work he was heavily involved in student orientation, campus programming, and was a Teachers Aid for University 101, an introduction to College course for incoming first-year students.
Haley Berge
Graduate Assistant for Student Involvement and Multicultural Initiatives
Location: Brother James Gaffney Student Center, 104 D
Majoring in Psychology
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the Student Center (Brother James Gaffney) because it is a place where students can hangout, play video games, and meet friends/join a club!
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
If I could have any superpower it would definitely be time traveling. I think it would be amazing to not only travel back in the past, but also explore the future.
What is your favorite activity outside of Lewis?
My favorite activity outside of Lewis is camping! I have been camping my whole life, ever since I was young, and I absolutely love nature.
What is your go to Starbucks order?
My go to Starbucks order is an Iced Coffee with oat milk and caramel syrup, but if I鈥檓 feeling fancy then a Mocha Frappuccino with oat milk!
Where is one place you want to travel to?
One place I would want to travel to is Australia. I have been wanting to see the beautiful scenery there with all the koala bears!!
Jade Provance
Graduate Assistant for Student Involvement and Multicultural Initiatives
Location: Brother James Gaffney Student Center, 104 D
Majoring in Computer Science
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is Charlie鈥檚 Place because it鈥檚 a comfortable area to hang out in between classes.
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Telepathy.
What is your favorite activity outside of Lewis?
I love to travel because I get to experience new cultures and try new food.
What is your go to Starbucks order?
Pink drink.
Where is one place you want to travel to?
I鈥檇 love to take a road trip through Scotland. I think the landscapes look awesome.
Bryce Medaris
Graduate Assistant for Student Involvement and Multicultural Initiatives
Location: Brother James Gaffney Student Center, 104 D
Majoring in Criminal Justice
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the Student Center because I love to play pool.
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
If I could have any superpower it would be to teleportation so I could travel anywhere in the world.
What is your favorite activity outside of Lewis?
My favorite activity outside of Lewis is going to EDM concerts.
What is your go to Starbucks order?
My Starbucks order is a Caramel Cold Brew.
Where is one place you want to travel to?
One place I would love to travel to is Belize so I could dive the Great Blue hole.
The Office for Student Engagement and Multicultural Enrichment
Gabby Aguilar, majoring in Marketing
Danny Reyes, majoring in Economics
Maxwell Mo, majoring International Business
Eduarda Marcon, majoring in International Relations
Trent Olling, majoring in Aviation Flight
Charlie Rickerson, majoring in Aviation Flight
Karina Najera, majoring in Paralegal studies
Shannon Haggerty, majoring in Elementary and Special Education
Faith Vaughn, majoring in Social work
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