Before calling Dr. Kapperman regarding a flyer I had seen at the
College of DuPage campus, I was planning on going to another college
for another major. Because of Dr. Kapperman's passion for his job I
changed my major, to become a teacher for the visually impaired, and
my decision to go to Northern Illinois University. I have never
regretted my decision to go to NIU, and I am thankful every day for
making that phone call. He is an inspiration and truly a great man!!
- Jennifer W., Class of '08
Jodi:
I want to thank you for all you have taught me. If I can become an iota of you and Kapp as educators I will be a happy camper. I know I still have a lot to learn and it will come from experience, but I feel the base you have provided puts me a step ahead.
- Jay V., Class of '07
Dr. K,
First and foremost, I owe you a huge thank you for the tremendous knowledge you, Jodi, and Toni gave me in my two years at NIU. In addition a thank you for giving me the contact of Ms. Robinson. That contact has turned itself into me receiving a job offer from ... As soon as I receive my Illinois certification, I will begin working there. I was just there on an interview and I am certain my education from the vision department more than sealed the deal. I was the person chosen for the job out of some 14 or 15 candidates. I can only assume that my resume based on my NIU experience sealed the deal. For that I owe you big time. I plan on keeping in touch and seeking your advice and insight on questions that may arise. Again, thank you.
- Jay V., Class of '07
Hello Jodi,
Thank you for the feedback. I am so glad to be through this semester. The class was tough but I really did learn a lot, especially about Diopters, X power, and looking through the vertical plane of magnifiers. Thank you for the experience and working with us.
- Rita H., Class of '08
Thank you. I enjoyed this class. Since I have low vision I thought this course may not be too interesting, but it was very good and informative.
- Kim N., Class of '08
Jodi,
Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it. I am very glad to offer my "Written Directions to Sighted Assistants" to your future needs of any type. It feels great to give to you, even in this small way. I've learned so much from you!
- Judy W., Class of '08
Thanks Jodi!
I know that you are working a lot and have a lot on your mind. I came back to get my phone charger last night and I saw you working at your computer after class. I just wanted to say thanks for investing what little time you have to do this extra research for us on the certification testing. By the way, everyone else appreciates everything you do for us like scheduling trips to the Seeing Eye, teaching our classes, and helping us map out our O&M college and work careers.
- Mike W., Class of '08
Thank you for your compliments and encouragement. You yourself, are a wonderful teacher and advisor.
- Nick P., Class of '05
I wanted to let you know that I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program. I have learned so much this summer, and look forward to applying some of my new (and renewed) perspectives this next school year. In particular, I've enjoyed getting to know you. I've had a lot of fun seeing how much we see eye-to-eye on so many issues. I truly believe that I will return to school a better teacher this year.
Thanks again!
- Pam W., Class of '08
Hi Jodi,
I want to thank you for taking the time to look at my cover letter and for your kind words. It is not very often that one receives such a nice letter and I was touched by it. I appreciate your comments on my cover letter for ... I have valued your advice and encouragement, both with this application and throughout my time at NIU.
- Jeff W., Class of '06
Well what do you know once again I found one of the best instructors in the United States along with a colleague Jodi Sticken both at Northern Illinois University involved in a Nemeth Tutorial program for learning via the Braille Lite through Freedom Scientific…and you two keep on providing excellent quality work in the field of Blindness. Of you I am proud and extremely pleased and happy to have had you for an instructor while at Northern. It only goes to show that the visually impaired program for teachers was excellent back then and still is… When I was taking courses I never doubted it for a minute, and I am always very appreciative of the fact that I attended Northern Illinois University. You are and always will be a man of which I am very proud and pleased to have come in contact with. I never once doubted your teaching credentials and as a former instructor of mine your capabilities as a real solid teacher either.
Len, Class of '77
With that said, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you Jodi, Toni and Kapp for the knowledge, effort and support that you have given me during my tenure at Northern. I am excited to start my new position and despite the normal anxiety one experiences before a new job, I feel confident thanks to the skills you armed me with.
Bill, Class of '05
A graduate from NIU goes out into the world very qualified to teach. My education was tops. I can’t thank you all enough!
Craig, Class of '98
I really have wonderful thoughts of my times at NIU and truly respect you and appreciate your instruction! You really are an incredible teacher! Thank you!
Sue, Class of '79
I deeply appreciate all your time and work you put into my graduate program. If it weren’t for you, this would not have been possible. I am forever grateful. Throughout this graduate program, I have learned so much about computers, assistive technology, and how people learn. I have met many new people and learned a great deal from everyone.
Karen, Class of '98
Thanks for all of your help… I just wanted to let you know that I wouldn’t have been able to do this without your instruction in Assistive Tech. I learned so much in that class, but most of all, it gave me the courage to try anything when working with Assistive Tech because I now know I won’t ruin it while trying it out. Thanks again for your guidance.
April, Class of '04
...and thank you for being such a caring and involved advisor.
Roz, Class of '04
Thanks for looking out for us. I really appreciate it… just wanted to say thanks for sharing all your knowledge. I really feel prepared to go out there and be an excellent vision teacher… Can’t wait to apply all that invaluable information I got from you, Jodi, and Toni. After all, Northern DOES have the best vision program…
Gianna, Class of '06
Thank you very much for an exciting year and a half in the NIU vision program. It was truly a great program and I’ve grown tremendously during this time. I will miss NIU very much, but I’m excited to get into the field.
Joe, Class of '04
I was very proud to say to me colleagues that you were my former professor and how passionate you are on this subject. You are correct in stating that NIU boasts an excellent TVI preparation program. In comparison to my peers in the field, I am the only one who has had a full semester of Nemeth Code training. Everyone else has had only Literary Code and had to learn on their own.
Clare, Class of '00
The rep admitted that she wasn’t to familiar with Nemeth and the Braille Note but went on to talk about the “Guru” of Nemeth and technology and how he was the one to ask. The third lady in the group asked who this “guru” was, the others response: “That guy in Illinois, I think his name is Kapperman.” I didn’t know you had Guru on your letterhead after Ph.D., (lol)
Jennifer, Class of '04
I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the Advanced Assistive Tech class that we just finished up.
Diane, Class of '07
I am very, very grateful for having had the privilege of being in several of your classes and also for your kind, generous, and valuable advice and mentoring when I received my M.S. Ed. at Northern. I treasure the wisdom you passed on to me, and I am happy now to offer my congratulations and say “I’m so glad I know you.”
Marguerite, Class of '78
I love my job. It is going so well. Now they are beginning to add new students to my caseload but that’s ok. I feel ready for them now. I wouldn’t trade my job in for any other job. Thank you so much for preparing me so well for this career.
Lori, Class of '99
Thank you so much! My daughter’s TVI is a former student of yours. Her name is … She probably was there in the late 70’s. Anyways she just marveled about you and said she learned so much from you and she is an excellent TVI. Just wanted to let you know what a terrific impact that you have had on your former students!
Lori (Parent)
Thanks for all your help during my time… at NIU. Your ability to solve my many problems and questions made it much easier to survive in the program without having to worry about everything. Please give my thanks to Jill for helping out so much as well. My best to the entire staff at NIU for continued success in the future.
Doug, Class of '00
Thank you for helping us make Kristie’s dream of getting her Masters degree in Orientation and Mobility come true! She once told me that it was the happiest day of her life when her Dad and I agreed to send her to NIU’s program. You always were a shining example of a dedicated educator and mentor. She remains very dedicated to the field of Visually Impaired. Thank you for making her dreams possible; both financially and emotionally you helped greatly!
Mother of Kristie, Class of '99