Vince Churchill

Ph: (847) 506-1500 ext. 208
vchurchill@ims-rst.com

To whom it may concern:

My name is Vince Churchill and I am a recent graduate of the Mechanical Engineering program at Northern Illinois University. I am currently working for an engineering firm IMS, which is based in the Rolling Meadows area. Our firm is responsible for the network level engineering surveying and management for many infrastructure construction projects throughout the country. With offices scattered across the United States and Canada, our firm has not only provided me an opportunity within the engineering field, but also a chance to work in multiple environments. This type of opportunity is a terrific blessing that can be attributed to the great education and stellar faculty Northern Illinois University provided me during my years as an engineering student.

As the son of a high-school teacher, it has always been my firm belief that a teacher can truly make a world of difference. During an individual’s college career, many different obstacles can arise and challenge even the most determined student. Certain professors have the ability to take these numerous challenges and help the student prevail. Instead of taking each individual obstacle as an insurmountable problem, these unique professors force the student to see the light at the end of the tunnel every day. Dr. Milivoje M. Kostic is one such professor, and one that I had the esteemed privilege of experiencing during my career at Northern Illinois University.

Dr. Kostic has earned a reputation at Northern Illinois University for being one of the more challenging professors within the Mechanical Engineering program. His teaching inside the classroom is often filled with what may seem like endless derivation and examination, while the amount of hours spent outside the classroom is more than any other class. However, there is a good reason for all of this. Dr. Kostic once told me he feels he needs to “test the students repeatedly in attempt to trick us,” knowing that only those who were not fooled truly learned the course. Dr. Kostic has inspired me to never stop learning as much as I possibly can. He is a man who has attained more knowledge than any other individual I have come across, simply from an inane hunger for total comprehension. He understands everything he teaches and he knows how to get the information in his head across to students in a challenging yet effective manner. His reputation certainly preceded him during my career at Northern Illinois University, and I have no doubt in my mind it will continue to do so for many years to come.  Dr. Kostic truly is a professor that makes a difference.

Sincerely,

Vince M. Churchill on June 19, 2007