John and Ann Wonak: Double Huskies Embrace "Payback Careers"
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet
Double Huskies Ann and John Wonak pose with Victor E. Huskie. (Photo: Ann Wonak)
For John Wonak ’76, M.B.A. ’08, and Ann Wonak, ’76, M.S.Ed. ’98, NIU has been a defining part of their lives. The Double Huskies are now channeling their time, experience, and gratitude into what they proudly call their “payback careers.”
In this chapter, post-primary careers, John and Ann are deeply committed to strengthening Huskie connections and supporting programs that open doors for NIU students. Their goal is simple: support the university so it can continue supporting students.
“Northern serves a diverse student population,” Ann said. “Many are first-generation college students and international students who need additional student services and financial support to succeed.”
“NIU is a place where hard-working students can change the trajectory of their lives,” John said. “Supporting that mission is one of the most meaningful things Ann and I can do.”
Returning to NIU to Learn, Teach and Give Back
John is a true “boomerang Huskie” — finding NIU at three pivotal moments in his life. First, as an undergraduate student, then, decades later, earning his M.B.A., and ultimately teaching and mentoring future business leaders. Each return deepened his connection to NIU and strengthened his appreciation for the role it plays in students’ success.
“I checked out a few universities and their respective accounting programs,” John said. “I ended up choosing NIU because a guidance counselor said that if I wanted an outstanding accounting program, I should check out NIU, and the rest is history.”
John began an impressive professional path as a CPA with BDO Seidman, later becoming a partner at Detterbeck, Wonak & Company. From there, he launched and led his own CPA firm, Wonak & Company, before co-founding OPEX Communications and serving as its CFO. After nine years, he sold the telecommunications business and returned to NIU to earn his M.B.A. with the idea of teaching.
“I never considered teaching, but Ann encouraged me to give it a try and thought that I would be good at it,” John said. “I realized that throughout my career I was training, teaching and mentoring others all along! During my studies, I mentioned to the director of the M.B.A. program that I might be interested in teaching, and about a year later, I was hired as an adjunct professor in the program. Prior to that, I taught a course at DePaul University in their Coleman Entrepreneurship Center to business owners.”
For almost a decade, John taught in NIU's three M.B.A. programs. He was also an instructor for the project consulting and capstone courses that blended rigorous academics with real-world business application — something his students and their future employers valued deeply.
Beyond the classroom, John became a trusted mentor. He was a team leader in the Experiential Learning Center, participated in an e-mentor program, conducted mock interviews, supported student entrepreneurs, and advised future business leaders through the College of Business. And, whenever possible, he included Ann in making a direct impact on the next generation of Huskies. For his accomplishments in business, teaching and mentoring, John received the 2013 Excellence in Accountancy Award.
“I found teaching to be very rewarding, and the students seemed to appreciate the real-world experiences that I shared,” John said.
John has continued to use his expertise to guide others through his role as managing partner for Sea Level Advisory Group, LLC. The firm brings together seasoned C‑level executives and advisors who help business leaders make informed, strategic decisions — filling organizational knowledge gaps within their existing management teams.
Yet of all his roles, the time he spent teaching and mentoring at NIU stands out as one of the most meaningful chapters.
“It felt great to give back to the university where I received an outstanding education, especially in the College of Business, where my career experiences could be of value to the next generation of Huskies,” John said.
A Lifelong Advocacy for Language, Education and Community
Ann has always believed in the power of education to open minds and doors. At NIU, she majored in Spanish and minored in German, later returning to earn her M.S.Ed. — a decision that grounded her career in teaching, mentorship and service.
Early in her career, Ann worked in international business, using her fluency in English, Spanish, German and Italian to connect across cultures. When John launched his CPA firm, Ann stepped in to help build the business from the ground up. Four years later, she followed her true calling: teaching middle school Spanish and English as a Second Language at Barrington Middle School.
“I have a license to teach grades six through 12,” Ann said. “Applying for and accepting that teaching position was by far my best move. Middle school is a challenging time for students and their teachers as well. I loved that challenge. Teaching was such a rewarding experience.”
Extending her impact beyond the classroom, Ann has mentored youth through her church, worked with food pantries, supported community initiatives with the Jaycees, and carried a steady passion for helping others grow.
Her latest chapter in service began when friend and fellow Huskie Tom Libert, ’74, invited her to serve as co-chair of the Golden Huskies Alumni Network Homecoming Committee to celebrate and bring together alumni who graduated 50 years or more ago.
“Some of my most interesting and satisfying life experiences have been a result of volunteering,” Ann said. “I’ve seen how much Tom has poured into the Golden Huskies, and I wanted to be a part of that. Plus, John has been volunteering for NIU for years; I figured it’s my turn.”
In addition to planning a reunion during Homecoming, the Golden Huskies Homecoming committee cultivates alumni engagement and supports alumni programming. It also helps reduce financial barriers for current NIU students through the Golden Huskies Promise Fund, which provides scholarships, academic support, career development and emergency aid. A $50,000 challenge offers alumni a chance to directly impact the next generation of Huskies — and volunteer leaders like John and Ann are championing it.
By giving back, John and Ann help ensure students graduate unimpeded and that NIU continues its long-standing tradition of providing opportunities for all.
NIU alumni volunteer their time in meaningful ways. Want to brainstorm ways you can get involved? Contact Liz McKee, M.S.Ed. '14, at lmckee1@niu.edu.