NIU Alumni Association

Notable NIU Alumni

Living the Dream

L.A. Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley and Wife Amy Staley, ’07, Bring Huskie Values to Football and Family
Peter Pierro, ’50, M.S. ’57, Ed.D. ’66, Shares 96 Years of Wisdom With Latest Book

After serving in WWII and finding years of success as a professor, coach and author, Pierro says he is still learning every day.
High School Spanish Instructor Kimberly Radostits, ’07, Named Illinois Teacher of the Year

'Ms. Rad' hopes to use this platform to advocate for students who are at risk of not graduating on time.
Students Work to Increase Awareness During Advocacy Week

NIU Foundation Fellows and NIUAA Student Worker Help Important Cause
Volunteer Spotlight: Reyna Gilbert-Lowry, '01

Virginia Tech Sr. Associate Athletic Director Volunteers at NIU Remotely
Volunteer Spotlight: Randee Drew, ’04

Huskie Football’s Drew Shares Journey With NIU Students
Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel Lattner, ’11

Service-minded nurse practitioner mentors Huskies from long distance
Joan Bottarini, ’93, CFO of Hyatt Hotels Shares Wisdom About Hospitality

Hyatt executive and fellow alumna discuss impact of NIU during COB Wednesday Night Wisdom webcast
Volunteer Spotlight: Madi Bernhardt, ’72

First-generation alumna mentors students about importance of Huskie grit.
Volunteer Spotlight: Joel Brock, ’00, M.S. ’09

Brock serves as an alumni advisor for the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
Volunteer Spotlight: Travis Matthews, ’08

Peace Corps veteran shares his unconventional path of service with Huskies.
Volunteer Spotlight: Tony Briscoe, '19

Three years into a successful IT career, Briscoe serves as a career development mentor
Volunteer Spotlight: Brian Gross, ’02, M.P.A. ’05,

Gross Co-Founded NIU Program to Mentor Black Business Students
Carla Redd, '93, Makes History As Police Chief in Hometown of Rockford

Redd is first African American, first woman to serve as city's top law enforcement officer
Don Hatton’s “The Blacklight” Premieres in Selected Theaters to Critical Acclaim

Hatton has found success as a musician, a special ops soldier, a Secret Service agent, an entrepreneur or even a movie producer.
Byoung-chul Min, M.S.Ed. ’91, Ed.D. ’98, Helps Students Bring Innovations to the Metaverse

NIU inspired Min to help students utilize technology and embark on a mission to bring peace to the internet.
Art Teacher Ailysh Cooper, ’18, Wins Illinois State Board of Ed Service Award

Cooper strives to create an environment where students have choice and personal voice in their artwork.
Debra Kimberlin, Ph.D. ’19, Instructs Next Generation of Dietetic Students

Kimberlin felt her studies at NIU strengthened her abilities as a professor and afforded her the opportunity to grow as a scholar and researcher.
Abbey Zink, Ph.D. ’01, Fights for Equity as Provost of Slippery Rock University

At NIU, Zink learned the importance of community and putting students first.
Leigh Shea, M.A. ’08, Gives Voice to ‘Lost and Hopeless’ at Impulse Rehab & Wellness

Shea strives to empower those who suffer from debilitating cognitive-communication impairments to be heard, understood and fulfilled.
Margaret Kristan, ’80, Elected Chair of Wisconsin's Committee for People With Disabilities

Kristan's personal experiences with loss and family members' disabilities helped shape her empathy and passion for serving others.
Emma Baumert, ’19, M.S.Ed. ’21, Trains on U.S. Olympic Bobsled and Skeleton Development Teams

A chance meeting through her NIU studies led to an invitation to try the sport for the first time and train with the team.
Brianna Smyles, ’19, Excels at SPX FLOW, Mentors Engineering Students

Smyles volunteers on NIU's Engineering and Engineering in Technology Alumni Society and as a programs advisor for its NSBE chapter.
Malika Green, ’05, M.M. ’07, Forges Passion for Jewelry-Making Into MR Designs

While also working as a steel pan instructor, Green sells handmade metal jewelry through her online shop.
De’Andrea Robinson, ’95, is an Open Book as Children’s Associate at Chicago Public Library

Robinson made "sweet lemonade out of lemons" when she began an unexpected career change.
Ann Rondeau, '10 Ed.D., leads Naval Postgraduate School

Rondeau credits mentors, advisors with inspiring her to lead, succeed
Marquita Davis, ’89, Creates 'System-Level Change' for Children at Gates Foundation

Davis relies on quality data to equitably measure a child’s development and provide appropriate curriculum and training for teachers.
Jeremy Gresham, M.B.A. ’18, Named CEO of Levenfeld Pearlstein

Gresham's M.B.A. experience allowed him a widened perspective of the world around him, strength in public speaking, a larger network of peers, and a better understanding of himself.
Ray Decker, ’98, Helps Portland Trail Blazers ‘Rebound’ After Injury

Decker searched for a career that would be fulfilling, finally discovering orthopedic technology when he broke his hand.
John Tobin, '91, Credits Hard Work, Values for Success as Founder of Slalom

'I feel like the diversity represented at NIU is fantastic and what businesses are looking for'
Volunteer Spotlight: NIUAA Board Member Tom Libert, ’74, Stays Connected Through Giving Back

Libert encourages alumni to come back to campus and say "thank you" through volunteering.
Gay Magnus, M.M. ’03, Leads Alpha School of Music in Jamaica

At Alpha, Magnus focuses on ensemble music, and students are exposed to a variety of genres of band music, from folk to jazz.
Gus Moreno, '08, Publishes First Novel to Rave Reviews, Including NY Times

"This Thing Between Us" incorporates horror, grief in debut effort from English alumnus
Andy Carrigan, ’16, Leads Digital News Team at WREX in Rockford

Carrigan "tells stories and gives a voice to the voiceless" through his work.
Bill Hannah, M.P.A. ’96, Named Director of Finance for the City of St. Charles, Illinois

Hannah has served communities in Northern Illinois for nearly 30 years, and he still looks forward to finding the best solutions to issues.
First-Generation Huskie Pam Diaz, ’90, Champions Opportunity and Diversity as Entara CEO

NIU prepared Diaz with the technical knowledge she needed to succeed as a leader.
Rhiannon Gurley, ’02, Brings Local Community Together Through Art

As a community art organizer, Gurley has found success. She credits hard-nosed NIU profs for sharing all their knowledge.
Professor and Author Paul Booth, M.A. ’05, Turned ‘Nerdy Interests’ Into Career

Booth finds fandom meaningful because it represents something that unites humanity.
ABC 7 Chicago’s Trenier Ward, ’14, Credits Career to Skills Learned at NIU

As a general assignment reporter, Ward has accomplished his goal of reporting in the Chicago market.
Volunteer Spotlight: Jonathan Abejuela, ’11, M.B.A. ’17, Mentors Underdogs

Abejuela helps students grow from mistakes and fulfill ‘big dreams.’
Dean Kruckeberg, M.A. ’74, Receives Lifetime Achievement Award, Reflects on PR’s Societal Role

Kruckeberg credits NIU and influential professor Dr. Albert Walker with his career success.
John “Ski” Sygielski, Ed.D. ’98, Changes Lives as Community College President

As an openly gay president, Sygielski hopes to inspire future LGBTQ+ students to pursue their dreams.
Cathy Blozis, ’73, Keeps Huskie Connections Close After Nearly Five Decades

A retired school teacher, Blozis remains close with a large group of friends she made while on campus.
Gina Berndt, ’79, Artfully Leads as Chief Marketing Officer for Perkins&Will

Berndt says NIU's interior design program and her study abroad experiences lent her confidence and perspective.
Nutrition Expert and Influencer Elizabeth Shaw, M.S. ’10, ‘Digests’ Her Success

Through her blog, "Shaw Simple Swaps," she shares nutrition hacks to make life healthier and easier.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kevin Delaplace Haro, M.B.A. ’16, Brings Int'l Experience to Students

As regional business development manager of ABDG, he is working to create Kuwait’s first-ever professionalized soccer center.
Tom Doherty, ’85, Brings ‘Relationship Banking’ Experience to Pitney Bowes

“NIU had a tremendous influence on my career success,” Doherty said.
For Sub 70 Golf VP Dan Peck, ’01, Success is Par for the Course

Sub 70 Golf ranked as the no. 1 direct-to-consumer company in golf in 2021!
Chuck Farinella, ’86, Credits NIU, Dogged Determination for Success

As owner of Beach for Dogs in Downers Grove, Illinois, the Farinellas help countless pet parents!
Volunteer Spotlight: Natalie Dmitruk, ’21, Feels 'Strong Bonds' at NIU

As a biomedical engineer, she volunteers her time at open houses, helping prospective engineering students.
After Career at Disney, Microsoft, Marketing Alumnus Finds New Success on TikTok

Darryl Postelnick, '87, launched his "cookingwithdarryl" account at the urging of his teen daughter.
NIU Launches Career of Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Vicky Baftiri, ’03, M.S. ’05

Baftiri is a supervising producer of the WGN Evening News at 6 p.m.
Lukas Bonnen, ’17, M.S.Ed. ’18, Takes Control at M-Wave Controls

Bonnen credits NIU's expert faculty teaching him to approach problems carefully and critically.
Dr. Diane Hillard-Sembell, '82, Reflects on Award-Winning Ortho Surgery Career

Hillard-Sembell credits NIU with giving her the opportunity to learn and grow, as well as to develop her greatest strengths.
2nd Annual Thousands Strong Day of Giving Raises Nearly $2 Million for Students!

More than $46,000 was generated by 150 ambassadors through social media, text, phone, e-mail or word-of-mouth.
2nd Annual “Thousands Strong” Event Gives Front Row Seat To Changing Lives

Special live kickoff presentation will show philanthropy in action during fall fundraising event
One of the #ThousandsStrong: Kellie Martial, J.D.’10

College of Law Assistant Dean Martial shapes the future of the law community
One of the #ThousandsStrong: Amy Buhrow, M.S.Ed. ’05

Buhrow touts the "best job in the College of Business."
One of the #ThousandsStrong: Assistant VP of ADEI Monique Bernoudy, M.S.Ed. ’92

"While big hearts are needed, there is also a large need for financial resources," she said.
Christy Peterson, '95, Leads Logistics and Supply Chain for T-CETRA

A natural problem solver and lifelong learner, Peterson looks at her new role as a fun puzzle.
One of the #ThousandsStrong: Rena Cotsones, M.P.A. ’04, Ph.D. ’13

Cotsones believes in NIU's power to change students' lives and the trajectory of the community, the region and the state.
One of the #ThousandsStrong: School of Music's David Maki, ’89

Maki developed many friendships and professional relationships at NIU that continue to this day.
One of the #ThousandsStrong: Financial Aid and Scholarship Director Anne Hardy, M.S. ’10

Hardy liked to donate to NIU where she can see an immediate positive impact.
One of the #ThousandsStrong: Associate Dean Beverly Henry, ’83

Henry supports the College of Health and Human Services through financial gifts, as well as her daily work.
John Brandon, M.A. ’85, Leads Asia Foundation’s International Relations Programs

Brandon was drawn to NIU through the work of incredible political science professors.
Michele Pankow, M.P.A. ’08, Serves as First Female Fire Chief for Rockford, Illinois

Progress is the primary driving force in Pankow's daily work, and she hopes her role encourages other young women.
Elizabeth Start, M.M. ’84, M.M. ’86, Hits the Right Note with Composing Career

In October, a recording of Start's composition "Echoes in Life" will be released as part of an album by Thomas Mesa.
Montessori’s Carolyn Kambich, ’60, Honored with F.R. Geigle Service Award

After five decades of service as a director of Montessori schools, Kambich still looks for new ways to help families.
Rachel McBride, ’13, M.S. ’16, Named NIUAA’s 2021 Young Alumna

We recognize McBride for her work with the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
Julie Yurko, ’90, Receives NIU Alumni Achievement in Public Service

As president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank, Yurko led a team that provided 100 million meals in the region last year.
William “Dre” Buchanan, ’99, Recognized for Alumni Achievement in the Arts

Buchanan credits NIU with teaching him the importance of networking and learning from those who are from different backgrounds.
IBM Innovator Matt Price, ’09, Receives Alumni Achievement in the Sciences Award

As a client success manager, Price works with customers to ensure they get value out of their investment with IBM.
Dr. Robert Sobel, '98, Ph.D. '04, Brings Flavor to Role at FONA International

Sobel's team specializes in "industrial innovation," where patented and proprietary flavor technologies are developed.
Tina Thomas, ’75, Flies High as Owner of Poplar Grove Airport

Inspiring young people and women to follow their dreams of flying is immensely satisfying for Thomas.
Student Directors Learn About Leadership, Philanthropy with NIU Foundation Board

Isabelle Vondra and Ian Pearson share their experiences in their unique roles.
Debra James, ’79, Leads Client Service Team at Barge Design Solutions

James develops strategies for crucial community projects, like water and wastewater treatment and transportation infrastructure.
Farrah Ali, M.B.A. ’13, Credits NIU With Multi-Million Dollar Lessons

Ali says NIU's MBA program gave her the confidence she needed to succeed.
Cameron Kielb, ’15, Named Ambulatory Nurse of the Year at Kishwaukee Hospital

Kielb credits NIU with giving him the foundation to become an excellent cardiac nurse.
Nathan Lupstein, ’16, Advocates for Students as Google Talent Strategist

Lupstein works with dozens of institutions and thousands of students, helping to create a more representative tech industry.
Marcie Lafido, ’93, M.S. ’00, Named Associate VP, CNO at Elmhurst Hospital

Lafido is responsible for strategic planning at the executive level for the hospital’s nursing practice house-wide.
Heather McGuire, J.D. ’09, to Bring Growth, Improvements as City Admin

McGuire hopes to spark progress, improving infrastructure, aesthetics and businesses in St. Charles, Illinois.
Greenwood Project’s Elois Joseph, M.B.A. ’15, Helps Minority Students Thrive in Finance Roles

The nonprofit partners with more than 400 students and 40 top companies, including the Nazdaq, Goldman Sachs and William Blair & Company.
Michelle Keppel, ’17, Excels as Elementary Music Teacher and Band Director

Keppel credits NIU for making her a "lifelong learner."
Alicia Alexander, ’11, Heads Up Donor Relations at Social Impact Nonprofit

Over the past pandemic year, M3 was able to give out $1million in small business grants, community grants and scholarships.
Eric Caliendo, ’91, Shares “The Chicago Experience”

Caliendo is the band director at Jane Addams Jr. High School in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Innovative Movie Theater Owner Mark Stern, ’82, Looks at the Big Picture

Big Picture's new location opens in suburban Issaquah this fall.
Tim McGill, ’84, Brings the Sunshine to Fox 32 Weather Role

Nearly four decades ago, NIU helped McGill realize he could make his passion for weather into a successful career.
Shawn Foley, ’14, Demonstrates Entrepreneurial Spirit in Rain or Shine

An online retailer and distributor for indoor golf brands, Rain or Shine provides everything a golfer needs to create their own personalized, virtual set-up.
Renee Powers, M.A. ’12, Promotes Social Justice Through Feminist Book Club

Recently, Powers was recognized as a 2021-2022 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow.
First-Generation Huskie Chuck Morgan, ’54, M.S.Ed. ’60, Reflects on Four Decades of Teaching

Morgan made a positive impact as a high school teacher and cross-country coach.
Rodney Boyd, ’86, is First Black Assistant Adjutant General - Army in the Illinois National Guard

In this role, Boyd will command 10,000 soldiers in the Illinois National Guard.
Huskies United Exceeds Expectations, Raises Over $1 Million for Students

Huskies United centered on key strategic initiatives like student scholarships and experience; diversity, equity and inclusion; the Student Emergency Fund; and unrestricted support.
Fields Jackson, M.B.A. ’94, Credits NIU with Showcasing ‘Case for Diversity’

Jackson is publisher and CEO of Racing Toward Diversity magazine, which has served 3.5 million readers for the last 15 years.
HR Expert Kristin Hamblock, ’08 , M.B.A. ’15, Joins NIUAA Board of Directors

Through her role, Hamblock hopes to help ensure current and future students have quality experiences at NIU.
NIU Alumni Association Appoints Five New Board Members

We welcome Kristin Hamblock, Marlon Haywood, Peggy Norton-Rosko, William McCoy and John Tsaras to the board.
Marlon Haywood, ’10, M.S.Ed. ’12, Brings Diversity and Inclusion Experience to NIUAA Board

Haywood founded Urban Male Network, a nonprofit focused on mentoring young minority men in Chicago's inner-city.
Loyola Medicine’s Peggy Norton-Rosko, ’87, Joins NIUAA Board of Directors

The education Norton-Rosko received at NIU provided the foundation for her nursing success.
Coca-Cola Executive John Tsaras, ’14, Joins the NIUAA Board of Directors

Tsaras credits NIU with his incredible success as a programming and business analytics executive.
William McCoy, ’92, Business Ethics Expert, Joins NIUAA Board of Directors

McCoy brings a unique perspective to his role as someone who attended NIU as a student and also worked for the University.
Melissa Avery, ’76, Becomes Editor-in-Chief of Midwifery Journal

In her new role, she hopes to mentor midwives in their writing, research and scholarship.
WNIJ's Dan Klefstad, ’89, M.A. ’93, Celebrates Human Experience Through Storytelling

Klefstad says NIU provided excellent faculty who taught him the skills he uses every day at WNIJ and as a writer of literature.
Linda Dillon Rydman, ’73, Reflects on Life-Changing Nursing Education

As a non-traditional student, Rydman chose the "practical choice" of nursing and grew to love it.
Lizandra Gomez-Ramirez, J.D. ’20, Helps ‘the Underdog’ as Assistant Public Defender

A passion for her history, culture and fighting for those who need representation led Gomez-Ramirez to become an attorney.
Fanny Ruth Patterson Scholarship Winners Humbled by Award, Ready to Reach Goals

The BAC has given tens of thousands of dollars in Patterson scholarships, named for the first black student to graduate from NIU.
JobsPLUS Email Communications Activity Helps Students Develop Professional Skills

Students connected with assigned alumni mentors who coached their email writing.
First-Generation Student Daniil Krimer, M.F.A. ’19, Grows Kane Repertory Theatre

As artistic director, Krimer's creativity has allowed for new opportunities at a challenging time.
Volunteer Spotlight: Nicole Pomerleau, ’13

A teacher at heart, Pomerleau volunteers to impact NIU's SEED students.
Volunteer Spotlight: Melissa Lugo, ’06, M.S.Ed. ’08

First-generation graduate Lugo-Noun makes impact as counselor and volunteer
Volunteer Spotlight: Fred Vinciguerra, ’88

From "no clue" to CEO, NIU helped Vinciguerra land ideal job
Volunteer Spotlight: Tim Pierce, ’90, M.A. ’92

Pierce volunteers with NIU from thousands of miles away!
NIU's Lavender Graduation to Honor Past, Current LGBTQ+ Students

Alumni can support graduates through participating as virtual audience members.
Volunteer Spotlight: Steven Andersson, ’86, J.D. ’92

Through a life of service, Andersson is making a difference ‘one life at a time’
Volunteer Spotlight: Anabell Rodriguez, M.S.Ed. ’14

Former international student and Fulbright Scholar encourages Huskies.
Volunteer Spotlight: Erin Hernandez, ’18

Changemaker Hernandez gives back to Huskies, helps shape future leaders.
Volunteer Spotlight: Dominick Archer, ‘80

As an athletics volunteer, Archer makes a difference for the sports he loves.
Volunteer Spotlight: Patricia Gregolunas, ‘77

NIUAA Board member sees NIU’s positive impact in family, friends, alumni stories
Volunteer Spotlight: Ying Pei, M.B.A. '18

Ying Pei shares her leadership secrets with students through volunteer work.
New Tradition Lights Up Campus, Instills Pride

From miles around, passersby will see the outside of the Holmes Student Center tower lit with red lights on special days of commemoration or celebration.
Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Janota, ’10

Janota Helps Students Make Great First Impressions Through Mentorship
Volunteer Spotlight: Lark Lewis, ’17

Lewis volunteers for NIU from her home in Washington, D.C., where she works a manager at the National Women's Law Center.
Alaine Duncan, ’75, Treats Trauma Survivors Through Unique Medical Approach

Duncan is passionate about helping individuals and communities transform and heal from abuse, violence, and misunderstanding.
Kelly Rogan, ’94, leads the tech industry as VP for Microsoft Corporate

Rogan will come back to campus virtually on March 31, to lead an online discussion for the college’s “Wednesday Night Wisdom” online speaker series.
Indianapolis Relies on Meteorologist Randy Ollis, ’78, in All Weather

The son of a factory worker and a grocery store clerk, Ollis was the first person in his family to pursue a college degree. At NIU, he studied meteorology and gained important experience at the student broadcasting station during the 1970s.
Double Huskies Terry and Jackie Dickow Proudly Support College of Education

After more than 30 years in elementary education, the Dickows continue to build their legacy through philanthropy at NIU.
Jack Tierney, ’75, M.S.Ed. ’78, Invests in NIU’s Future

As the treasurer on the NIU Foundation Board of Directors, Tierney has seen first-hand the positive impact the foundation's endowment fund has on NIU students.
Christy Noll, ’69, Reflects on Decades-Long Career in Physical Education

Noll works with COE physical education students each year and supports the college through donations.
Ruth Imose, M.A. ’16, Ph.D. ’20, Studies the ‘Science of Work’ at McKinsey & Co.

Imose's research has focused on the effects of being different in the workplace.
Victoria Bryant Stewart, Ph.D. ’17, M.A. ’18, Receives Teaching Award

Stewart works as an assistant professor of history at Northwest Florida State College while also pursuing her research on conscription in the U.S Civil War.
Brian Caputo, M.P.A. ’99, Ph.D. ’15, Leads at College of DuPage

After a career in the army and army reserves, as well as local government, Caputo went on to the role of president at College of DuPage.
Five Questions with Wilbur You, ’13, of Youtech

You has been named to Forbes’ list of “30 Under 30"
A Peaceful Tradition: A Look Back at America’s Transfers of Presidential Power

In our country’s 245 years, very few presidential transitions have been as turbulent as 2020’s.
Carolyn Kiesner, ’07, Named to Sacramento Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” List

As program and business development manager at Engie Services – North America, Carolyn Kiesner is fulfilling a promise to help positively impact the environment.
Non-Traditional Student Diana Estell, ’07, Makes Fantasy Dream a Reality

Estell's love of fiction writing grew from her anthropological studies.
JobsPLUS Connections Benefit Students and Alumni Volunteers

The program aims to create a new network designed to expand access to opportunity for NIU students by increasing what they know and expanding who they know.
Dave Rich, ’19, Named Advocate Sherman Hospital’s 2020 'Nurse of the Year'

At Advocate Sherman, Rich participated in the hospital’s nursing residency program and took part in an evidence-based practice fellowship.
New Graduate Jake Walker, ’19, Fulfills Dream as Elementary Band Director

Walker says his teaching style is attributed to the outstanding educators who taught him at NIU.
Tom Pomatto, ’76, Finally Earns a World Series Ring

As a pitcher in the Men's Senior Baseball League, Pomatto gets a second chance to be a part of a world-class team.
Ami Patel, ’02, Delivers the “LinkedIn Experience” as Manager of Product Operations

Patel credits NIU with expanding her view of the world and allowing her to identify her strengths.
‘Thousands Strong’ Celebrates Huskie Pride, Raises Over $2 Million for Students

Fourteen challenge and matching gifts were established to encourage giving, led by a $400,000 gift donated by John and Anne Landgraf, which was unlocked when the University reached 2,000 gifts.
David Spoehr, ’02, Gets Creative with Chicago-Based Design Company Monroestar

“Web design and development is constantly changing, so the learning never stops,” Spoehr said.
Cameron Barnes, ’14, ‘Helps the Helpers’ Through Taproot Foundation Work

In Barnes’ role as Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships, he engages foundations in increasing awareness of and access to pro bono services among their grantees.
Robert Eickhoff, ’78, Honors NIU Veterans Through Scholarship Fund

The Eickhoff Family Veteran Scholarship provides emergency relief, scholarship support and support for living expenses for full-time veteran students seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Emily Vitrano, M.F.A. ’19, Enriches World Through the ‘Art of Theater’

Through her on-stage roles and co-directing The Outer Loop Theater Experience, Vitrano is changing the world one play at a time.
Abigail Shields Rocks as High School Counselor and Bears Drummer

Shields and many other NIU graduates play for the Chicago Bears Drum Line.
Marc Largent Turns Hard Work Into ‘Freaky Fast’ Success

With 13 restaurants in Illinois and Texas, Largent credits NIU for building his leadership skills.
Mike Disa, ’87, Brings Dreams of Animation to Life

Disa has had 25 years of experience in television and film, specializing in animation. He has worked for companies such as Disney, Amblin Entertainment and Warner Bros.
Tim Sleep, M.S.Ed., ’89, Chimes in on His Lifelong Music Career

As Naperville City Carilloneur, Sleep plays the Millennium Carillon's 72 bells and acts as the instrument's spokesperson and as a teacher for interested students at Moser Tower.
William McCoy, ’92, Brings Huskie Ethics to Clemson University

Even at Clemson, McCoy considers myself a Clemson Tiger who bleeds NIU Huskie blood.
Elizabeth Nielsen, ’10, M.S. ’12, Ensures ‘Tiny Voices’ Are Heard

Nielsen takes pride in the fact that she provides a natural learning environment for her clients. With the use of the animals, her sessions are fun, engaging, and language-enriched.
Marisel Vera, ’81, Honors Puerto Rican Culture in The Taste of Sugar

Vera's second novel is a tale of love and endurance set in Puerto Rico on the eve of the Spanish-American War.
Beau Wangtrakuldee, M.S. ’13, Ph.D. ‘15, Creates Line of Women’s PPE

Wangtrakuldee received her M.S. and Ph.D. in chemistry from NIU and, while experimenting in the lab here, she had an accident that changed her life.
When Mike Menefee, ’71, Had Few Options, NIU Changed His Life

Menefee went on to a monumental career as a tenured professor and eventually an entrepreneurial consultant at University of North Carolina and Purdue University.
Joseph Sener, ’93, M.S. ’10, Leads NIUAA Board Into New Age

Sener looks forward to "bridging the gap between new graduates and established professionals" and providing a different level of support for our alumni.
NextWaveSTEM’s Udit Agarwal, ‘13, Brings Hands-On Learning to Children

The educational company now offers courses in robotics, drone coding, artificial intelligence and 3-D printing at K-12 schools throughout Illinois and beyond.
Kevin Strom, ’92, Takes Communications to Another Level

As the owner of several cutting-edge multilingual apps and a director at Intellivision Entertainment, Strom uses the communications skills he learned at NIU every day.
Sankat Patel, ’00, Appointed Vice President of NIUAA Board

As national director of treasury management sales for Fifth Third Bank, Patel credits diversity and collaboration on campus with preparing him for the business world.
Academic Advisor Karla Vilchez-Neal, Ed. D. ’17, Joins the NIUAA Board

Vilchez-Neal hopes to share her students’ experiences with her fellow board members, working to improve the alumni association and the University however she can.
John Norton,’03, Developing Therapeutic for COVID-19

Norton hopes the drug will treat severe COVID-19 patients, preventing organ failure and the need for ventilators.
Wells Fargo Advisors' Paul Green, ’81, Joins NIUAA’s Board of Directors

Green believes Huskies don’t expect good things to just come their way. They understand that hard work and effort are required to make great things happen, he says.
Lisa Katzenberger, ’96, Finds Success as Children’s Author

Katzenberger's National Regular Average Ordinary Day landed on the Today Show’s list of “25 books your children and teens won’t be able to put down this summer."
Chad Fitz, B.S. ’01, M.A.S. ’02, of Cherry Hill Programs Joins NIUAA Board

A strategy-minded collaborator at heart, Fitz looks forward to helping NIU students through advocating for the University in Springfield and bringing more NIUAA events to Chicago.
Lifetime Educator Mark Pienkos, '72, M.S.Ed. '74, Joins NIUAA Board

For 45 years, dedicated himself to education. Pienkos served as a teacher, school counselor, associate principal, principal, and school superintendent in Wisconsin.
Robert English, Ed.D.’74 Receives 2020 Distinguished Alumnus Award

English’s financial consulting company, PMA Financial Network, created automated financial analysis tools that helped schools and districts in 10 states. Today, finance officials continue to utilize and benefit from English’s ground-breaking processes
Kweli Kwaza, ’87, Receives F.R. Geigle Service Award for Inner-City Youth Outreach

Kweli Kwaza’s goal is simple—to push Chicago’s inner-city youth beyond their imaginations. Kwaza, ’87, is the founder and executive director of the Talented 10th college prep and career mentoring organization in Chicago.
Gavin Engel, ’97, Gives Back in All Aspects of His Life

In his roles as a counselor at West Chicago Community High School and a mental health therapist for a private practice, Gavin Engel, ’97, knows the value of human connection and community service. Throughout his life, he has strived to be a positive inf
Morgan Kolkmeyer, ’13, Named NIU’s Outstanding Young Alumna in 2020

Kolkmeyer is well-known as a weather anchor for the WGN Morning News in Chicago. At age 28, she has broken into the nation’s third-largest media market in only a few years, accomplishing what many meteorologists never do in a lifetime.
Kymberly Messersmith, ’88, Recognized for Achievement in Public Service

As managing director of government affairs at KPMG LLP, Ms. Messersmith has had an impressive career in governmental affairs, spanning from nonprofit companies to large corporate entities.
Jill Krueger, ’81, Receives Alumni Achievement in Business and Industry Award

In her 25 years as CEO of Symbria, Inc., Krueger has driven revenue at Symbria from $300,000 to $150 million, grew the company’s employee base to nearly 2,000, and spurred innovation.
Michael L. Vazquez, ’80, Awarded Alumni Achievement in the Sciences Recognition

As senior vice president, head of chemistry and a co-founder of Lynk Pharmaceuticals, the work Vazquez is doing has a direct impact on patients suffering from autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Musician Marquis Hill, ’09, Recognized for Alumni Achievement in the Arts

An experienced trumpeter and music teacher, Hill has performed alongside today’s top artists in jazz festivals and competitions and has been honored with many prestigious awards and scholarships.
For Matthew Angela, ’84, NIU Means Connection and Community

A champion NIUAA social media ambassador, a regular alumni volunteer and event attendee, Angela says his NIU circle has only widened over the last three decades, with the NIUAA's help.
Alumni Volunteerism is Music to Marty Johnstone’s Ears

Johnstone's love for NIU is apparent in his attendance at alumni events, his volunteer role as president of the NIU Huskie Marching Band Alumni Council, and his stepping up as one of the youngest members of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.
Foreign Language Residence Program Brings Language and Culture to Students

FLRP is a language-immersion special interest community for students who may not be able to afford studying abroad quite yet but want to experience immersion in a world language.
Pat Gostele, ’06, Is in a League of His Own

As an editor and videographer for the Chicago Cubs video team, Gostele is an official documentarian for the famed ball club.
Dean DuCray, ’64, M.A.S. ’69, Receives Honorary Doctorate from College of Business

DuCray was a poor, first-generation underdog when he came to NIU, but he went on to huge success in the business world.
Chicago radio’s Mary Dixon, ’87, is big news

“Putting together solid, creative newscasts is like doing a puzzle—and then you bust it up and start all over again in 20 minutes."
Actress Joan Allen Reflects on Her Huskie Work Ethic

After four decades of stage and screen acting, Allen has not forgotten what she learned from NIU theater classes.
Rachel Stuehm, Au.D. ’19, Advocates for Audiology Patients on Capitol Hill

Stuehm, along with dozens of other audiologists, has advocated for the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act in Washington, D.C.
From NIU to HBO, Matt Walsh, ’87, Makes It Up as He Goes Along

Getting his start at NIU, Walsh has gone on to star in, write, produce and direct dozens of stage, TV and film projects.
For Automation Expert James Mortell, ’15, the Future is Now

James Mortell, ’15, works amongst robots, but it does not faze him. As a product engineer for Omron, an electronics company based in Kyoto, Japan, it is all in a day’s work.
Christopher Hennessy, ’91, Goes the Distance to Serve Others

Hennessy helps others as a partner at Cozen O'Connor and as president of the board of CARA.
Kateri Gullifor, M.S. ’11, Named Teacher of the Year for Excellence in Braille Instruction

Illinois teacher Kateri Gullifor, M.S. ’11, was named 2019 Teacher of the Year by Braille Institute for her work with the Huntley Community School District 158 in Algonquin, Illinois, since 2013.
Journalist, Political Insider and Legal Reformer, Ed Murnane, ’66, Got His Start at NIU

Beginning as a journalist, venturing into the world of American politics, and finally serving as an advocate for legal reform through the Illinois Civil Justice League, Ed Murnane, ’66, has been a witness to the best and worst humanity has to offer.
Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Are a Bunch of Happy Campers

What started in 1975 as a simple weekend campout in Watersmeet, Michigan, for 14 NIU alumni, eventually turned into a meaningful 45-year tradition.
NIU ‘Flunkies’ Organization Remembered At 65th Anniversary

For a stretch of two decades on the Northern Illinois campus in the '50s, ‘60s, and ’70s, the Flunkies’ independent organization for male college students was known for its members’ athleticism and goofy antics.
Dr. Sherry Reynolds Whitaker, Ed. D. ’16, Serves Community, Advocates for Education

“I learned that, no matter your past, you can do the work now. You just have to apply yourself and believe," says Whitaker, CSBO of School District 189 in East St. Louis, Illinois.
David Poitras, ’85, and Rick Wholey, ’83, Invest in Their Clients

It’s not common to find an advisory team that invests their personal capital in exactly the same way as they invest their clients’ capital. Poitras and Wholey's needs are completely aligned with that of their clients.
U.S. Army Africa Provost Marshal Craig Giancaterino, ’03, Reflects on His Career

"It’s been challenging—physically and mentally—but it’s something I would do again," Giancaterino said.
Cherilyn Murer, ’78, ‘Paved Her Own Roads In Order to Cross Them’

As the founder, president and CEO of CGM Advisory Group LLC, Murer made lasting contributions to society while cracking plenty of ceilings for women during her 40-year career.
Three Decades, Two Friends, One NIU Community

Two alumnae use 35 years of friendship and experience to help Northern students.
Five Questions with James Egerton, ’76, of Business on the Board®

NIU alumni James Egerton has created an entire business philosophy based on the strategies behind excellent chess play.
Melissa Blake, ’05, Makes Kindness and Courage Go Viral

Blake, who was born with Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome, a rare genetic bone and muscular disorder, was criticized by strangers on the internet for her appearance. She stood up to online trolls and won the admiration of thousands in the process.
Alumni Volunteers Show Students That “First Impressions Count”

When the NIU Alumni Association partnered with the Jobs PLUS program and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce to bring students the First Impressions Count workshop on campus back in Fall 2018, there was no way to know what a success it would become. Now, a ye
Paul Lencioni, ’99, Brings Customers Quality with Blue Goose Market

After earning an accounting degree in 1999, Paul Lencioni decided to create his own path.
With Roles on “The Middle” and “General Hospital,” Jen Ray, ’92, is a Star

NIU alumna Ray says she wanted to be an actor since she was small child. Now, as she steps into a new role on "General Hospital," she reflects on her journey to stardom.
NIU Team Climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro for a Great Cause

The best view comes after the hardest climb. This bit of wisdom applies to the group of nine Northern Illinois University (NIU) staff members and alumni who made it to Mount Kilimanjaro’s 19,341-foot summit together in June.
Sebastian Maniscalco is Up for the Challenge

After more than 20 years in Hollywood, Maniscalco has been having a banner year, with a new comedy special on Netflix, acting roles in several big-name movies, and a hosting gig at MTV’s Video Music Awards on Aug. 26.
Huskie Dan Calkins Rises to Helm at Benjamin Moore & Co.

NIU played a formative role in Dan Calkins’ career success at Benjamin Moore & Co. His rise through the ranks culminated in January 2019, when he was tapped to be the Montvale, New Jersey-based company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
David Gomel, President of Rosecrance, Inc., is on a Mission

When David Gomel was lucky enough to land an “in training” role with Rosecrance’s behavioral health services in Rockford, Illinois, while finishing his B.A. in Psychology at NIU in 1993, he thought it would be a filler job before starting a career.
Danielle Harris, ’13, Selected as a Fellow to the 2019 NELC Academy

Danielle Harris, ’13, has always had a penchant for overachieving, but even she is surprised by the strides she’s made in the world of employment law in the last few years.
NIU Alumnus named Director of National Tsunami Warning Center

Gridley built a career by thinking big for entities like Amoco Corp., Halliburton, the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Industrial Research and Development Information System (IRIS), and the Office of Naval Intelligence. In December, Gridley was app
NIU Alumnus Uses Event Planning Expertise for Good

After two decades in business for himself, Dick Barton, who received his B.S. in Journalism from NIU in 1968, has reinvented himself a number of times. Since his first editing job as a reporter for the Daily Herald in west suburban Chicago. Barton has gon
Speech Pathologist Pushes Animal Communication Boundaries With Case Study

When Christina Hunger earned her Master of Arts in speech-language pathology from NIU in 2017, she knew she wanted to help young children with speech challenges, which she now does as a Pediatric Speech Pathologist for Early Intervention in San Diego. It
Baseball Dreams Realized With NIU Degree

Ned Colletti, ’76, never would have dreamed that he would spend one season in Major League Baseball, let alone nearly 40 years.
Service With a Smile

Michael Pattrick, '90, M.S.Ed. '94, is this year's NIU's F.R. Geigle Service Award winner.
Jack of All Trades

Carmen Rossi never imagined himself as anything other than a lawyer.
Fulfilling and Fortifying Her Dream and Love of Art

Arlene Turner-Crawford has spent the past four decades as an advocate for social justice, civil rights, community involvement and cultural heritage through her career as an artist and educator.
Family Focus Forges Flexible Career Path for O'Malley and Others

Erica O’Malley credits her career success to employers’ willingness to let her put her family first.
NIU Degree Impacts Keith Liden, M.S. '79, Both Professionally and Personally

Keith Liden, M.S. ’79, credits his NIU education with giving him the agility to excel in a variety of fields.
Raising Her Family and Food Allergy Awareness

Denise Bunning has demonstrated outstanding achievements in promoting food allergy awareness and research on local, state and national levels, including co-founding a not-for-profit support organization MOCHA (Mothers of Children Having Allergies).
How Do You Like Them Apples?

Twin brothers Trevor and Nolan O'Malley have created the blog CiderScene so lovers of hard cider can discover favorites and brew producers can grow in this expanding market.
Breaking Into the Entertainment Industry

As a teenager, William "Dre" Buchanan was falling under the influence of Chicago gangs. But now he works in the music and movie business and raises funds for Chicago school children.
Copy of Breaking Into the Entertainment Industry

As a teenager, William "Dre" Buchanan was falling under the influence of Chicago gangs. But now he works in the music and movie business and raises funds for Chicago school children.
Saving an Endangered Species

Unlike most researchers, Cora Dyslin works in the dark, but she is bringing important research to light about an endangered species.
Finding Purpose

The care and compassion that Spring Piatek experienced as a sick child led her on a path to a career in health care.
Protecting Our Borders

Three alumni are preventing crime and protecting America in different ways as staff of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Walking the Past

Award-winning writer Julia Tagliere shares her story about coming back to campus with her husband and children and reuniting with "ghosts" in Douglas Hall.
Welcome to Dudeland, a Shrine to NIU

Nicknamed ‘The Dude,’ David LaCerra has built a man cave that represents his love for NIU while recording historic glory.
Mark Schwendau: A Technology Wizard and History Buff

Mark Schwendau is a technology guru on the job. But off the clock, he cruises on his motorcycle to find remnants of Illinois stagecoach trails.
The Man Behind the Scenes for PBS and CBS

Marc Shaykin, '89, has worked for virtually every TV station in Chicago as a director and has put in long hours to get there.
Recent Grad Helps Unite Children With Families

A master's degree in public administration led Amy Mason to become a volunteer for the Gift of Adoption to find homes for children.
Alumnus Devotes His Life to Protecting Public Health

David Banaszynski is a standout alumnus who is improving public health in his community and the state.
Taste of Chicago to Feature Alumnus Lester Rey

Up-and-coming contemporary Latin music artist Lester Rey performs at the Taste of Chicago this Thursday, July 12.
Lauren Scott Lives the Dream as Co-Host of Popular Show

Lauren Scott began a lifestyle show at Northern based on her dream job. Five years later, her dream has come true as she co-hosts "Chicago's Best."
Healing Through Yoga

Brianne Spans, '07, talks about why yoga has the potential to transform lives.
Teller: A Leader in Business and Industry

Harlan Teller revamped the university's approach to branding, which led to the first increase in freshman admissions in nearly a decade. He is this year's recipient of the Alumni Achievement in Business and Industry Award.
McCluskey Honored for Alumni Achievement in Public Service

James McCluskey of Momkus McCluskey LLC is rated as a top lawyer in the state and is president-elect of the Illinois State Bar Association.
Waldeland: A Game Changer and Philanthropist

Lynne Waldeland, an NIU professor emeritus and former interim executive VP and provost, is honored with the F.R. Geigle Service Award for outstanding service and commitment to the university.
Joe Minoso Credits NIU for Fine-Tuning His Acting Skills

The "Chicago Fire" star says he was a lost actor until he came to Northern.
Marilyn Stromborg: A Force of Change

Marilyn Stromborg receives the 2018 Alumni Achievement in the Sciences Award for changing lives as a nurse, a professor and chair of the School of Nursing, an author, an assistant state's attorney and a drug court coordinator.
Michael DeGiorgio and Erek Benz

Michael DeGiorgio and Erek Benz have grown Commercial Real Estate Exchange Inc. into an online multimillion-dollar business.
Ned Colletti

Senior adviser to the president, Los Angeles Dodgers
Allan Cox

We caught up with NIU Foundation Board member, Bill Taylor this past summer to get his thoughts on what makes an NIU education so powerful. He told us about...
Alex Cummings

Chairman, Coca-Cola Africa Foundation
Jim Wong

Founder and CEO, Brilliant
Kurt Sutter

Screenwriter, director, producer and actor
Paul Kahan

Influential Chef, Restauranteur
Hon. Melissa M. Olivero

Administrative Law Judge, National Labor Relations Board, Division of Judges
Amy King

President, DeVry University Addison Metro campuses
Anies Baswedan

Minister of Culture and Primary & Secondary Education, Indonesia
Jaymie Simmon

Award-Winning Novelist
Thomas R. Karl

Director, NOAA’s National Climate Data Center and Climate Services Lead
Larry E. English Jr.

Former NFL Linebacker; Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, The Larry English L.E.A.D. Foundation
Joan Allen

Three-time Academy Award nominated actress