Antonio Torres, '24, Values Connections and Brings New Energy As NIU Latino Alumni Council Secretary
Antonio Torres '24 (Photo: Antonio Torres)
Antonio Torres, '24, is already making his mark as the new secretary of the Latino Alumni Council.
While at NIU, Torres studied political science and found his home and identity through Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc., where brotherhood, service, and cultural pride shaped some of his fondest memories.
One standout accomplishment during his time at NIU was earning a semester-long internship with the U.S. House of Representatives, igniting his passion for public policy and community engagement. Torres also participated in NIU’s Multicultural Greek Council and participated in Research Rookies.
Torres shared that throughout his undergraduate journey, his professors inspired him to never stop asking questions about the world. His favorite place on campus is Swen Parson Hall, which he describes as NIU’s most beautiful building and a great place to study.
An interesting fact about his story is that he lived in campus housing as a child while his mother pursued her master’s degree in Spanish pathology at Brigham Young University in Utah.
Torres’s journey is deeply influenced by his Colombian and Puerto Rican heritage. Although he once felt distant from his roots, he credits his fraternity brothers for helping him embrace his cultural identity with pride.
Beyond campus life, Torres has a strong passion for travel, having explored 14 countries-from hiking volcanoes in Guatemala to sailing the Greek islands. He also serves in the Illinois Army National Guard, balancing military training with academic life during his undergraduate years and now professionally.
Torres works in higher education as an academic affairs assistant at Aurora University, where he supports data analysis and administrative outreach. This role connects seamlessly to the skills he developed at NIU, fostering growth, adaptability, and collaboration.
For Torres, volunteering has always been a way to give back, a value nurtured through campus service projects like food bank drives and community events. As the LAC secretary, he hopes to bring structure and innovation to council processes and expand professional networks for Latino alumni.
"Being part of the Latino Alumni Council means that I am part of a team that is dedicated to the mission of ensuring current and future Latino alumni and friends have a place for them to grow after they graduate," he said. "I am honored to be part of that process by offering my skills, input, and time."
Torres shares that “there is value in staying connected to the NIU community and having a network available at your fingertips to stay motivated, learn how to innovate, and inspire.”
Next on his journey? Torres is preparing to start his MBA at the University of Illinois Chicago in August 2025, determined to keep learning and contributing to his community.
Torres is rising together with the LAC and inspiring others to do the same.
This story was provided by the NIIU Latino Alumni Council.
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.