A Compass for Connection: Curtis Baryla, '22
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet
Curtis Baryla, '22 (Photo: Curtis Baryla)
Curtis Baryla, ’22, built a deep relationship with NIU.
“It’s more than just a place I passed through,” he said. “It’s a collection of experiences, people and memorable moments that helped shape who I am.”
While earning a bachelor’s degree in operations management and information systems, along with three minors in computer science, business innovation and entrepreneurship, and esports industry professions, Baryla was involved in student organizations and leadership roles on campus.
“I was fortunate to be the new member educator for Sigma Nu Fraternity, served the student body as an SGA chairman, and competed nationally with the Cyber Security Club,” Baryla said. “Being able to recognize the amount of personal development that I received outside of the classroom and how beneficial it was to my professional career is why I am extremely grateful as an alumnus.”
Baryla remains connected to his alma mater as an active alumni volunteer participating in career panels, mentoring students and supporting student organizations, especially those tied to business, technology and leadership. He is also the vice president of the Computer Sciences Alumni Network (CSAN).
“What inspired me to get involved was remembering how much of a difference it made when alumni took the time to share their experiences and advice with me as a student,” he said. “Some people volunteer out of benevolence; I view it as appreciation for the opportunities I was given as an undergraduate.”
Today, Baryla is a defense contractor for Booz Allen Hamilton, supporting fraud prevention and mitigation at the United States Postal Service, earning him a “Supplier Excellence Award.” In his role, he has hosted various events in Chicago, joined mentorship cohorts, and supported a $90 million U.S. Air Force bid and proposal. Early in his career, Baryla was a contributing member of a team recognized as a government-wide success story by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for their impactful work at the USDA.
“In addition to my fulfilling professional career, volunteering is incredibly rewarding,” Baryla said. “It allows me to stay connected with the university, grow my network, and give back in ways that fit my time and passions. Whether speaking at an event, mentoring a student, or helping organize an alumni activity, every contribution makes a meaningful impact.”
Baryla says volunteering at NIU is also a great reminder of where he started, and it’s his way of paying it forward.
“I often reflect on the experiences and people that helped get me to where I am today,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and I want to help current students navigate their own paths, just like others did for me. Staying involved allows me to give back to a community that had such a meaningful impact on my life and career.”
Baryla fondly remembers Professor Bart Sharp, Ph.D., and the impact of his course.
“He was my professor for MGMT 468, which was hands down the most intellectually engaging class I took at NIU,” Baryla said. “The course sharpened my strategic thinking by blending real-world applications with deep analysis. It pushed me to think critically and connect complex concepts to business scenarios.”
As a student, Baryla began traveling with friends and fellow Huskies. Now, with a shared passion for travel and enthusiasm to keep the tradition alive, Baryla, Jimmy Holmes, '23, Raaif Majeed, '23, and Zack Althoff, '25, embark on an annual trip, visiting places like Thailand, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. Their next stop: Colombia.
“During college, people may be captivated by academics, athletics, or student life, but it’s never solely those things that drive a lasting connection with your university,” Baryla said. “The emotional meaning behind those experiences — the memories, relationships and sense of purpose — creates a bond worth carrying forward. Giving back and creating a network of people who share my values and experiences is a way to honor that connection and keep it alive. I am committed to the Huskie community to ensure the traditions, opportunities and support systems that meant so much to us continue to grow for future generations.”
NIU alumni volunteer their time in meaningful ways. Want to brainstorm ways you can get involved? Contact Eric Glasby, '15, M.S.Ed. '18, at eglasby1@niu.edu.