Thomas J. Dee, '85, Honored With Distinguished Alumnus Award
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet

Thomas J. Dee, ’85, recipient of the NIU Alumni Association's 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. 
(Photo credit: Mary Jane Dee)

Few accomplishments are more meaningful than turning possibility into impact. 

Throughout a distinguished career spanning healthcare, biotechnology and mission-driven entrepreneurship, Thomas J. Dee, ’85, has helped guide organizations developing life-changing medical innovations while creating opportunities for the next generation to succeed.

Those achievements have earned him the NIU Alumni Association’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award, the association’s most prestigious honor recognizing alumni who have made extraordinary contributions to their professions, communities and NIU.

Dee currently serves as the chief executive officer of Endsulin Inc., a pre-clinical biotech company focused on developing a gene therapy for Type 1 diabetes with the potential for one-time treatment to cure the disease.

Previously, as senior vice president and chief financial officer of AveXis, Inc., he helped guide the company through the successful development of a groundbreaking gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, now marketed globally by Novartis as Zolgensma. While there, he built and managed all financial and administrative functions of the business. In 2016, he helped take the comapny public, raising nearly $1 billion in 18 short months. Today, AveXis is known as Novartis Gene Therapies.

Dee spent more than 20 years at Abbott Laboratories, where he held senior leadership roles in finance and international acquisitions that helped expand the company’s global reach. During his tenure, he oversaw financial operations for Abbott’s $18 billion global pharmaceutical business.

Throughout his career, Dee has served on the boards of several companies and educational institutions, helping guide organizations focused on innovation, growth and opportunity.

As a first-generation college student, Dee seized opportunities at NIU that helped shape his life and career. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accountancy from NIU before going on to receive an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He credits NIU with providing both the educational foundation and leadership experiences that helped shape his career. 

“I learned about leadership, professionalism, discipline and character development through my experiences at NIU,” he said.   

As a student, Dee became one of the university’s youngest resident advisors as a sophomore. The position helped fund his education while developing leadership and organizational skills that would serve him throughout his career. As a senior working as a housing courier, he met his future wife, Mary Jane (Daneck) Dee, ’85, who was serving as a resident advisor.

Living on campus for all four years, Dee became active in student organizations and intramural athletics. 

"I played basketball several days per week,” he said. “I met many student-athletes and coaches. Through that experience, I grew to respect the commitment required for success in academics and athletics.”

That appreciation evolved into a lifelong commitment to NIU Athletics. The Dees have attended Huskie football and basketball games across the country, supported numerous athletic programs and helped establish the Sports Nutrition Performance Center at Huskie Stadium, enhancing resources that support student-athlete health and performance.

Outside of athletics, the Dees remain dedicated supporters of the university and its students through philanthropy, advocacy and engagement. Their support of the Huskie Promise has helped expand access to education and strengthened opportunities for future generations of Huskies. They have also supported the College of Business alumni community, mentoring programs and alumni networking initiatives. 

Alongside two fellow Huskies, Dee helped found Altus Academy, an independent, college-preparatory primary school in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. Established to expand educational opportunities for students in an underserved community, Altus Academy is built on a belief shared by the Huskie Promise: that every child deserves the support and resources to reach their full potential. Among his many accomplishments, Dee describes the venture as one of the most rewarding of his career. 

Building on that commitment, Dee and his family established the Dee Community Impact Through Education (CitE) Scholarship, which supports Chicago-area students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attended college-preparatory schools.

“I am hopeful my legacy will have a ripple effect from investing in young lives,” Dee said. “I have focused my time and resources on assisting children and young adults who don’t have advantages most people take for granted because they deserve a fair start.”

Through his leadership in healthcare and biotechnology, dedication to expanding educational opportunities and meaningful support of NIU, Dee exemplifies the excellence, service and lasting impact recognized by the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Dee will be recognized during NIU's 119th Homecoming celebration. Learn more about Homecoming events and festivities here.