Linda B. Grandolfo, '73, M.S.Ed. '77, Honored With F.R. Geigle Service Award
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet

Linda B. Grandolfo, ’73, M.S.Ed. ’77, recipient of the NIU Alumni Association’s 2026 F.R. Geigle Service Award.
(Photo credit: Stephanie Smuda, Warren Township Media Coordinator)

For years, Linda B. Grandolfo, ’73, M.S.Ed. ’77, has dedicated her time, talents and resources to strengthening Northern Illinois University and expanding opportunities for fellow Huskies. Through her volunteer leadership, philanthropy and alumni engagement, she has helped foster connections among alumni while championing programs that advance student success. 

In recognition of her outstanding commitment to NIU, Grandolfo has been selected as the recipient of the NIU Alumni Association’s 2026 F.R. Geigle Service Award. The award honors individuals whose service has advanced the best interests of the university.

Grandolfo’s connection to NIU began when she arrived on campus in 1969, supported by a full scholarship and grant funding. She earned a bachelor’s degree specializing in deaf education in 1973, followed by a master’s degree in guidance and counseling in 1977. The support she received as a student inspired her commitment to giving back to NIU.

“I owe a great deal to NIU,” Grandolfo said. “The education and financial support I received motivated me to pursue a graduate degree. It provided me with a 41-year career in deaf education, for which I will always be grateful. I personally feel that it is very important to give back both with time and financially.”

As a student, Grandolfo found a sense of belonging through her involvement in Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII), a social sorority.

“NIU in the 1970s was a vibrant campus with a very engaged and involved Greek community,” Grandolfo said. “As a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, I was involved in a variety of campus activities and created lifelong friendships.”

Her involvement in AOII became one of the defining experiences of her time at NIU and sparked a lifetime of leadership and volunteer service within the organization.

Grandolfo first brought her volunteer spirit to her alma mater as an engaged volunteer and standout supporter of the College of Education. In recent years, she has devoted significant time and energy to NIU through the Golden Huskie 50-year reunion planning committee, the Golden Huskie Alumni Network and the Center for Greek Life fundraising committee. She has become a passionate advocate for alumni engagement, encouraging fellow Huskies to reconnect with the university and support causes that matter to them.

Raised with a strong belief in philanthropy, Grandolfo has paired her volunteer service with financial support. She made a five-year commitment to Project Graduate, which helps remove financial barriers for students nearing completion of their degrees, and continues to champion initiatives including the Golden Huskie Promise Fund and the Center for Greek Life. 

Beyond NIU, Grandolfo has remained committed to serving others. Following her retirement from her career in education, she began working as a part-time family therapist at Warren Youth and Family Services, where she continues to work today. She also remains actively involved with AOII and has devoted many years of volunteer service to the Arthritis Foundation.

For Grandolfo, giving back to NIU is a way of honoring the opportunities that helped shape her life and career. Through her volunteer engagement, philanthropy and advocacy, she has strengthened the university and deepened connections among generations of Huskies. Her stewardship of Northern Illinois University embodies the values celebrated by the F.R. Geigle Service Award.  

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