My name is Dan and after participating in CATalyst (the best decision my parents ever made for me), I was a counselor for two years and now I am co-chair of the program. We're working really hard to make sure that you have an awesome time on CATalyst. I can't think of a better way to transition into college life and be introduced to all that Northwestern has to offer. There's a lot of great stuff to do here. Other than CATalyst, I'm also involved with my fraternity, student life, and some awesome honors and service groups on campus. Fall quarter is my favorite time at Northwestern because it means CATalyst, football and Northwestern's annual ski trip. You definitely picked the right quarter to show up! And for the boring, bio stuff: I'm part of the Northwestern Class of 2010, I'm in Weinberg and I'm double majoring in Political Science and Legal Studies and I'm from Westport, CT. And of course, Go 'Cats! 

Hey, baby CATalysters! I’m Maura Brannigan and I’m a sophomore transferring from Weinberg into Medill. I’ll be majoring in Journalism with a double major in something Literature based. I’m from Evanston and am no more than a ten minute drive from my house at all times while on campus, so I’ll always be there to answer all questions Evanston related better than anyone! I’m involved in everything from North by Northwestern to Dance Marathon and my sorority to CATalyst. Aside from school, my favorite things include dance, running, music, being outside and the Cubs. CATalyst was one of the best experiences of my entire life and I know every single one of my fellow counselors feels the same. I can’t wait to meet you and share CATalyst and Northwestern with you! Have a great summer!

Hi! I'm Dave. I'm a junior studying Music Technology and Animate Arts. I hail from the fabulous city of Boston Massachusetts. I run sound for student groups around campus, am a member of the sailing team, work for Northwestern's radio station, and encourage fun. That's right. Fun. I dig all things music and all things unusual. I'm actively not-involved in Greek life. I enjoy meeting new people, trying new things while also appreciating old things. Burritos make my mouth water. CATalyst is the most fun both during and after the trip. Dooooooo it! Much Love

Hey! My name is Hannah Kim and I’m a rising junior in Weinberg, majoring in Political Science and what my advisor likes to call “dabble studies” (where I jump around taking classes from department to department, considering lots of different majors). I am also pursuing a BIP minor (Business Institutions Program). I am from the North Shore of Milwaukee, WI, and during football season the Packers are my life. I talk too much, love rainy days, learning languages, 11:11 and I really love travelling, especially to places off the beaten path, or where I can do outdoorsy things. When I am at the beach I have to be in the water—no matter what—and I can always remember the tune of a song, but hardly ever the lyrics. On campus, I serve on the exec board of my sorority, I work with the Kaplan Humanities Institute (after having been a Kaplan Scholar myself), I am on the exec board as programming chair for Northwestern University’s Conference on Human Rights (NUCHR), and I am an editor for the Northwestern Journal of International Affairs (NJIA), and some community service. My favorite things about Northwestern are definitely my friends (my family away from home), Dillo Day, the rocks at the lakefill, and the fact that I get to meet all of you next fall… I can’t wait! Have a great summer, see you soon!!!

My name is Rosanne Sangiacomo, but I've also been known to respond to Ro, RoRo, and if you're one of my parents Sweetpea. I'm a senior-citizen here at Northwestern originally from Oak Brook, Illinois --gotta love the suburbs. I'm majoring in Comparative Literary Studies (I know it sounds like a joke but its a real major!), and minoring in Film and Media Studies, and hoping to go to law school after I'm done here. Aside from being involved in CATalyst, I help out with the Student Admissions Council and am involved in my sorority. In the past I've also enjoyed making a fool out of myself in IM sports. I love lime green, the CUBS, the beach, and bad reality TV (I know its unfortunate). But most of all I can't wait to meet you all next fall. Have a great summer!

My name is Jeff Eiden, and I am a sophomore here at NU. I am a Communication Studies major (no, that doesn't automatically mean that I am an athlete) and also looking to grab a Business Institutions minor along the way. I live in Deerfield, IL, which puts me about 25 minutes away from campus. On campus, I am involved in greek life, the sports radio club, as well as the Zen society. I dig classic rock music, but have recently expanded my hip-hop/rap appreciation (we are in college after all, right?). Most would classify me as a pretty chill dude who likes to go with the flow. I'm excited to meet all of you guys and make sure CATalyst '09 is the best trip ever!

Hi! My name is Lennie Cottrell. I'm from Cincinnati, Ohio and I'm planning on studying choral music education in the fall. I sing in the all-male a cappella group Freshman Fifteen and am an active member of my fraternity. I'm currently getting ready for the freshman musical, "bare: A Pop Opera" (my first theatrical production on campus) and I'm generally involved heavily in south campus life. My hobbies include making new friends and having a good time, as well as going to see as many shows as I possibly can, and of course CATALYST!! I'm beyond excited for this fall and can't wait to meet the new CATalyst-ers.

My name is Hanna McKeen and I am a sophomore Writing Major and a Legal Studies Minor. I am from Apple Valley, Minnesota and if you ask me, I would be happy to demonstrate my “Minnesotan Accent” for you (even though I don’t really have one… I hope. I’ll let you be the judge.). At Northwestern, I am on the Dance Marathon 2010 Executive Board, the Vice President of Marketing of my sorority, a Co-Chair of Relay for Life, on the staff of the literary magazine, The Cold Side of the Pillow, and of course, my favorite activity, a counselor for CATalyst! I can honestly say that I would not be as involved in activities at Northwestern University if it had not been for the relationships I made on CATalyst and the skills I gained through this program. I live for the five days I get to spend with you on CATalyst before school starts (this will be my third time on CATalyst and I still maintain that going on CATalyst my freshman year was the best decision I ever made). Literally. Ever. But apart from CATalyst, I love the beach, the color blue, sushi, yellow tulips, reading, my dogs (Bailey and Cookie), and watching Arrested Development and The Office. But more importantly, I can’t wait to see you in September! Get excited for the time of your life!!!

I’m Jack Heintz. I will be a junior in the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering, but I love exploring all that Northwestern has to offer. On campus, I am heavily involved in my fraternity and the Mini-Baja car team. I also play pretty much play every intramural sport at this school. I’m all about knowing my limits and playing it safe….NOT!!! I’m a thrill seeker and I can’t stand it if I haven’t surfed, rock climbed, saved the world, or done something stupid the past week. I’m from LA, southern Cali, which basically makes me the coolest person ever… Nah, just kiddin; but seriously, I’m not that conceded. My favorite things are the color blue, sporcle.com, In n Out, montages, “It was a Good Day” by Ice Cube, the Dodgers, Buffalo Joe’s (ask me on CATalyst), and watching really tall people fall down. I did CATalyst when I was a freshman and had a blast. I even met my future roommate! There is so much to do here, and I am so excited to introduce you all to Northwestern. So, get ready. Get excited, because you are in for the time of your life!

Hello newbies! My name is Steph Siepman and I’m from the real 3OH!3, Denver, Colorado. In my spare time I enjoy taking long walks on the beachfront and snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains. When I’m not studying relentlessly for my economics and political science classes, you could find me in my sorority, eating at Flattop, or watching episodes of my favorite show, Dexter. On campus, I am an active member in my sorority, Student Admission Council, Alternative Student Breaks, and obviously the best club ever.. CATalyst! Last year at this time, I too faced the daunting task of deciding which pre-orientation program to sign up for. Choosing CATalyst was honestly the best decision I have ever made. I came into Northwestern so much better prepared and ecstatic to start the year, equipped with great new friends, upperclassmen contacts, and a vision of how to make the next four years the best ever! The skills and knowledge I gained during CATalyst helped shape my college career and I could not be more grateful for having participated in the program. Can’t wait to meet all of you CATalyzers! Get ready for an amazing trip!