About Us
The Official News Organization of North Central University since 1960
The Northerner is NCU’s very own student-run newspaper. From sports to academics to Minneapolis news, we cover it all! The Northerner has seen some change over the past years, moving from hardcopy paper to a digital source in news. We have revamped our style in hopes to reach a wider audience while upholding journalistic standards in seeking out the truth.
Email us at ncunortherner@gmail.com with questions or comments.
Staff & Writers
Madi Olejnicak – Professor
Hello! My name is Professor O and I am the faculty director for The Northerner 2023-2024! I recently graduated from North Central with a journalism degree in May of 2023, and I am so excited to be back. The Northerner is a passion of mine because it helped jumpstart my career as a journalist, amidst a time when I was becoming a published author. When I was younger, I never imagined myself being a teacher at 22. (Much less a college professor!) But here I am! By day, I am a communications director at a marketing company, and a published author of The Social Media Mess. In the future, I hope to write more faith-based books for young adults struggling with big questions about Jesus and their faith. In my spare time I love hanging out with my friends, taking care of my animals, and painting. My dream one day is to own a farm and use elements inside it (like horses) as a therapy tool for those struggling with anxiety and depression.
Izzy Falstad – Editor
Hi! My name is Isabelle Falstad, I am a Senior Journalism student with a track in Public Relations in Business. I love spending time with people, especially my family, husband, and friends. My relationships bring me so much Joy! I love doing things like game nights, hiking, walking/biking outdoors, and I love talking with people. I knew NCU was the school for me because it would not only increase my knowledge but also my character, faith, and connections. As a Senior, I can only confirm that if you make the most of NCU this will all happen here. My favorite part of The Northerner are my peers but also, that I have learned how to write in a variety of forms and the AP writing style. I also enjoy that it is a 1 credit class so the amount of story writing is very manageable.
Sierra Welch – Editor
Hello! My name is Sierra Welch, I am a Communication Journalism major, and I am a transfer student from Winona State University. I am very excited to be on the Northerner editorial staff this year. My desire is to aid students in cultivating their written talents to bring our North Central University community riveting content that will enrich their lives and college experience. Outside of finishing my Bachelor’s degree, I am passionate about bringing God’s wonder, beauty, and truth to the world. I long to do this through writing, how I live my life, and with how I engage with the world. A few things I am passionate about are protecting life in the womb, enjoying God’s wonderful handcrafted creation, and bringing adventure into the lives of those I interact with. I was drawn to North Central University because I desire to acquire scholastic achievement through the lens of a common worldview with the university I attend. This worldview is based upon an understanding that God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, He is the King of Kings who left the majesty of heaven to save my soul, and based on an adoration of the greatest Being that has ever or will ever exist.
I am excited to share with you engaging, informative, and inspiring content this semester!
Clara Galley – Editor 
Hi There! My name is Clara Galley and I am a Senior at North Central University Studying Media Communications with a minor in English. I am so exited to be an editor for the Northerner this year! I wanted to join because I have a passion for storytelling, both fiction and non-fiction, and I want to tell the stories of the people in and around this campus. I grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota, so I have always been close to North Central. I had visited NCU many times throughout my childhood and teen years, so I was able to get an idea of the community and values. When the time came for me to go to college, I felt that God had called me to be a student here. Some of the things I have participated in NCU include Render, Residence Life, the Institute for Digital Humanity, and Delta Kappa, the women’s ministry on campus. These are all great ways to get involved on campus, and they have helped me grow in my skills and passions! I am an avid movie-goer and coffee drinker. You will often find me with an iced latte in my hand walking around campus. Something that goes hand-in-hand with my love of films is film making. One of my favorite things is to write, film, and edit my own short films. Some of my other biggest passions include music and worship leading, film making graphic design, and reading!
Mary Botz – Writer
Hello! My name is Mary Botz, and I am a second semester junior this year, but first semester Northerner girl! I am an English literature major with the hopes of being an editor when I grow up. As a graduate of the class of 2020, finding a college that felt right was a struggle. I stayed home for a year at Montana State University of Billings (plot twist: it was not my favorite) and knew that I needed a change. One of my brother’s got recruited to play soccer here at NCU and when I showed interest, I ended up getting recruited to play volleyball (another plot twist: being a student athlete was not my favorite). North Central has an amazing community of students, professors, and staff that made the transition from home to home so smooth and welcoming. I have found my best friends in the world and have learned and grown so much not only academically but also spiritually. A fun fact about me is that I have been a violinist for the past fifteen years and have performed at Carnegie Hall!